In Brief
The Supreme Court heard a civil appeal against a High Court order concerning a public auction of a sand block. The appellant, who was the highest bidder and deposited the full auction amount, was denied possession for reasons beyond his control and could not excavate the sand. The Court held that while High Courts should exercise their extraordinary writ jurisdiction under Article 226 cautiously, intervention is justified when State action is arbitrary. Finding no disputed facts and unfair denial of possession, the Court allowed the appeal, set aside the High Court's order, and directed the State to refund the full amount with 6% annual interest from the date of the refund request.
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