Shri P. G. Gupta vs State Of Gujrat & Ors on 14 December, 1994
development of the country and has undertaken massive housing schemes. As its part, allotment of
houses was adopted, as is enjoined by Arts.38, 39 and 46, Preamble and 19(1)(e), facilities and
opportunities to the weaker sections of the society of the right to residence, make the life meaningful
and liveable in equal status with dignity of person. It is, therefore, imperative of the State to provide
permanent housing accommodation to the poor in the housing schemes undertaken by it or its
instrumentalities within their economic means so that they could make the payment of the price in
easy instalments and have permanent settlement and residence assured under Article 19(1)(e) and
21 of the Constitution. Thus for there is no problem but the crucial question is whether that right is
still available to the appellants in category (vi).
12. It is seen that after the capital was shifted to Ahmedabad, these houses were allotted to Govt.
employees. That came with the shifting of the capital. Initially, on April 17, 1971, 200 houses were
got converted from rental basis scheme to the hire purchase scheme. Thereafter the Govt. have
re-considered the matter and by resolution dated June 22, 1972, resolved to allot all the 396 houses
to the Government employees on hire purchase scheme. Thus, the diversion became compulsive
necessity. Therefore, the High Court has taken the criteria of June 22, 1972 as last date for fixing the
entitlement for the priorities mentioned in the offending resolutions and allotment of the houses to
the Govt. employees. It is true, that a date has to be fixed with reference to a particular case and
fixation of any date always may appear to be arbitrary. But some connection has to be established
for fixation of the date for allotment of the houses. In this case, since the government had taken
decision on June 22.1972, to convert the rental basis scheme into hire purchase scheme that date
bears rational relation to the object of allotment. Therefore, it cannot be said to be arbitrary or
irrational offending Article 14 of the Constitution.
13. It is contended that appellants in category(vi) were taken by surprise of the adverse order like a
bolt from the blue from the decision of the High Court without arguments nor challenge made to it,
has no substance. From the judgment it is clear that category (iii) persons who had vacated the
houses were treated. on par with category (vi) employees transferred from' the capital to the
districts. From the material on record it would appear that the eligibility of category of (vi)
employees was also questioned. Though some of them managed to remain in possession, they
cannot claim right to allotment under hire purchase scheme. Therefore, the High Court has rightly
considered that when category (iii) employees were excluded on the ground that they shifted their
residence from Pahari to Gandhinagar, the same parity should be applied to category (vi) employees
who have been transferred from the capital to the districts.
14. In these circumstances, we do not find any illegality in excluding employees of categories (iii)
and (vi) for allotment under hire purchase scheme. The appeals are accordingly dismissed. No costs.
Indian Kanoon - http://indiankanoon.org/doc/1913799/
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