STATE OF U.P. vs MALTI KAUL

The Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court's ruling that the appellants lacked the authority to levy a development fee under the U.P. Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. The Court emphasized that there is no provision in the Act or its Rules allowing for such a demand, and also found that the demands for malva and water charges violated principles of natural justice. Consequently, the Court affirmed the High Court's directive for the appellants to provide an opportunity for hearing before levying any charges.