Jawahar Lal Gupta, J. - (1.) NO one appears for the Respondents despite service.
(2.) THE Petitioner alleges that the Respondent -Kirpal Singh, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Baba Bakala, has sealed his shop and taken away some documents. The Respondents were served with a notice of this petition on 12.10.2000. He has not appeared. No reply has been filed. The allegations made in the petition have not been controverted. In this situation, we have no alternative but to proceed ex parte against the Respondents. The Petitioner has made categorical allegations. These have not been denied. In the circumstances of the case, we are satisfied that an authority cannot seal the premises of a citizen without cause and grant of opportunity. Since the Respondents have not responded to the notice of this Court, the averments made in the petition have to be treated as true.
(3.) IN view of the above, the writ petition is allowed. The first Respondent is directed to remove the seals and restore the shop to the Petitioner within one week from the date of the receipt of a copy of this order. He will also return the documents as mentioned in para 5 of the writ petition. The Petitioner shall also be entitled to is costs which are assessed at Rs. 20,000/ -. These shall be paid by Respondent No. 1 personally and not from the State funds.;