Saraswati Devi vs Zila Panchayat Champawat

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J

By means of this writ petition, petitioner has challenged a demand notice issued by Upar Mukhya Adhikari, Zila Panchayat Champawat on 21.08.2025. By the said notice, petitioner was asked to deposit ₹55,92,112 + ₹20,16,380 as GST total ₹76,08,492 within three days.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the demand raised by Zila Panchayat is absolutely arbitrary, petitioner never overcharged parking fee from any vehicle and whatsoever parking fee was charged was as per rates quoted in the tender notice. Various other issues are raised by the petitioner.

Learned counsel appearing for the Zila Panchayat supports the impugned notice and he submits that there were complaints received that petitioner is overcharging parking fee, however, he submits that if petitioner has any grievance, then she can approach the District Magistrate/ Mela Adhikari who will constitute a committee to resolve the issue through mediation.

The writ petition is, accordingly, disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to make representation to the District Magistrate. If she makes a representation within ten days from today, then the District Magistrate will constitute a committee in which one member from Zila Panchayat and another from District Administration will be present. The committee shall try to find out some amicable resolution of the dispute.

This Court hopes and expects that final outcome of the decision taken by the Committee shall be communicated to the petitioner within six weeks from the date of presentation of certified copy of this order before the District Magistrate. For a period of six weeks or till final decision by the committee, whichever earlier, no coercive action shall be taken.

The petitioner is directed to deposit the parking dues collected from the pilgrims with the Zila Panchayat regularly, as per terms and conditions of the contract.