HC Sets Aside Single Judge Order on Differential Property Fee

Single judge had said uniform rate can be collected as per plot size

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Bengaluru

The Karnataka High Court on Wednesday stayed the order passed by the single judge, who had set aside the amendment to the Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike Act to permit levy of fees, plan sanction, issuance of completion and occupancy certificates and ground rent, based on the guidance value or market value of the properties.

However, the division bench clarified that the amount already collected on those heads has to be refunded, if the BBMP fails in an appeal filed before the court against the single judge's order.

A division bench of Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice CM Joshi passed the interim order after hearing the appeal filed by the BBMP questioning the single judge's order dated June 5.

The single judge passed the order while disposing of the petitions filed by Sapthagiri Shelters and several individual property owners and land developers.