JUDGMENT The petitioner challenges Ext. P4 series of orders passed by the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals), Kollam in a stay petition filed by the petitioner along with the appeals against assessment orders. By the same, stay was granted on condition that the petitioner pays 60% of the balance tax and interest due and furnishes adequate security for the balance amount. Petitioner submits that in view of Exts. P5 and P6 judgment, the petitioner has a very strong prima facie case and therefore the petitioner is entitled to absolute stay, without any condition. I have heard learned Government Pleader also. I am of the opinion that the Deputy Commissioner (Appeals), Kollam exercised his discretion in granting stay properly. Therefore, I am not quite satisfied about the contentions raised by the petitioner against the impugned orders. But considering the facts and circumstances of the case I direct that instead of 60% the amount to be paid be reduced as 50%. While calculating the said 50%, any amounts already paid shall also be taken into account since petitioner claims that the petitioner has paid some amount. I make it clear that petitioner need only pay the balance amount to make up the 50%. Petitioner shall be given 3 weeks time to pay the same. The writ petition is disposed of as above.