No Vested Right for Renewal of License

Acts and Sections Discussed:

• Constitution of India, Article 226 – Writ of Mandamus – No enforceable legal right for renewal of license.

• Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation Act (MIDC Act) – Powers of statutory authority – Utilization of land for public purpose.

Subjects: License Expiry – No Legal Right – Legitimate Expectation – Public Interest – Statutory Authority – Contractual Rights – Workers Housing – Efflux of Time – Writ of Mandamus

Nature of Litigation: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

Relief Sought: a. Renewal/Extension of lease of Open Space No.3 in favor of the Petitioner. b. Quashing and setting aside notice dated 28 December 2023 issued by MIDC.

Reason for Filing the Case: Petitioner claimed an enforceable legal right to renewal of license for an open plot adjoining its school premises.

Previous Decisions: License expired on 31 May 2023 and was not renewed by the MIDC. Land was subsequently allotted for workers' housing.

Issues: a. Whether the Petitioner had a vested legal right for renewal of license under Article 226? b. Whether legitimate expectation could be claimed as an enforceable legal right?

Submissions/Arguments:

• Petitioner: Argued legitimate expectation for renewal based on long-term use of land.

• Respondents: Contended that Petitioner had only contractual rights as a licensee and no constitutional or legal right for renewal.