#public auction

The Rajasthan High Court ruled that a statutory authority cannot forfeit ₹9.46 crores in earnest money for failing to deliver encroachment-free land as promised in public auctions. The court directed a full refund with 10% interest, reinforcing that state entities cannot escape liability for contractual breaches under the guise of administrative discretion.

Jharkhand HC rules that an allottee’s eight-year delay in challenging a public auction disentitles them to a writ of mandamus, even if the auction lacked due process. The Corporation must refund deposits with interest, but third-party rights and possession remain protected under the Doctrine of Laches.