HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATHI MAIN CASE:WP.No.24967 of 2026 PROCEEDING SHEET Sl. No DATE ORDER Office Note 17.09.2026 HN, J The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the petitioner-Fishermen Cooperative Society was granted fishing rights for a period of three years on payment of a lease amount of Rs.1,96,000/-, which expired on 30.06.2026. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner-Society initiated the process for renewal of the lease for a further period of three years and sought extension of the same. The General Body of the petitioner-Society has also expressed its intention to continue the lease for fishing rights in the two tanks situated in Vadlamuru Village, Mandapeta Mandal. It is submitted that the Gram Panchayat passed a resolution fixing the lease amount at Rs.4,50,000/- for a period of three years and called upon the petitioner to express its consent for taking the two fish tanks on lease at the enhanced rate of Rs.4,50,000/-. The Secretary of the Gram Panchayat, Vadlamuru Village, has also endorsed the said proposal, whereas the Divisional Panchayat Officer, Mandal Development Officer and Fisheries Development Officer are required to consider the same. It is submitted that G.O.Ms.No.499, dated 25.11.1998, constituted a Committee of Officers, including the Divisional Panchayat Officer, Mandal Development Officer, Sarpanch of the Gram Panchayat and Fisheries Development Officer, for fixing the upset price in respect of minor irrigation tanks, tanks and other sources vested in the Gram Panchayat, for determining the lease amount payable for grant of fishing rights. It is submitted that the Gram Panchayat has unilaterally decided to enhance the lease amount from Rs.1,96,000/- to Rs.4,50,000/-. Sri B. Sambasiva Rao, learned Counsel representing Sri Y. Koteswara Rao, learned Standing Counsel for respondent Nos.7 and 8, submits that the proposal of the Gram Panchayat, vide Resolution No.18, dated 01.07.2026, was forwarded to the Committee for determination of the lease amount. It is submitted that the Committee has to decide the same. The Committee constituted under G.O.Ms.No.499, dated 25.11.1998, has to determine the upset price for grant of fishing rights in accordance with the provisions of the said G.O. The Committee constituted under G.O.Ms.No.499, dated 25.11.1998, shall determine the upset price for grant of fishing rights in accordance with the applicable Government Orders. Considering the submission that the fishing rights of the petitioner- Society expired on 30.06.2026, the Committee constituted under G.O.Ms.No.499 shall determine and notify the upset price for grant of fishing rights on or before 08.10.2026. Post the matter on 08.10.2026. _____ HN, J KGM