HC dismisses arhtiyas petition on new fruit, vegetable market

The Punjab and Haryana high court has dismissed a petition by an association of fruit and vegetable dealers of SAS Nagar market, which had challenged the bidding process for the upcoming market in Sector 65.

The high court order stated the proposed market was not merely for purchasing of fruits and vegetables but would also have facilities like cold storage, ripening chamber, pack house, testing facilities, etc.

It also took note of the fact that old mandi had not been de-notified and the petitioners were not to be displaced. The high court stated arhityas had a right to participate in the allotment process but they could not claim a preferential right for allotment of the commercial area.

The tenders were floated in April 2015 for the new complex in Sector 65. The state government wanted to build the new facility under the public private partnership mode but the association had submitted their livelihood would be affected, so these shops should be given at concessional rates.