Subramaniyam v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

Dated : 09.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA W.P.No. 4546 of 2026 Subramaniyam ...petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Erode, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Gobichettipalayam, Erode.

3.The Additional Director, Horticulture Department, 4.The Joint Director, Erode, 1/7

5.The Assistant Director, Horticulture department, Anthiyur Taluk, 6.The Assistant Director, Anthiyur Taluk, 7.Horticultural Officer, Anthiyur Taluk, 8.The Thasildar, Anthiyur Taluk,

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Section 226 of the Constitution of India for issue of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to grant permission to cut down the four Borassus trees in S.NO.112/1A situate at Gettisamuthiram village, Anthiyur Taluk, Erode District. 2/7

For petitioner :

Mr. D.Nandhagopal For Respondents :

Ms. P.Aiswarya Government Advocate

O R D E R

This writ petition is filed for the following relief: "To direct the respondents to grant permission to cut down the four Borassus trees in S.NO.112/1A situate at Gettisamuthiram village, Anthiyur Taluk, Erode District."

2. The petitioner constructed a residential house in Survey No.112/ 1C, where he resides with his family. The petitioner would submit that immediately adjacent to his house, there stands four borassus trees (panai maram) aged around 75 years. It is the case of the petitioner that due to severe soil erosion, the roots of these trees are visible above the ground as they have weakened. Keeping these trees is an imminent threat to the life and safety of the petitioner and his family members. Therefore, the petitioner made an on application on 13.08.2025, to the respondents seeking permission to cut down these 3/7

trees. Since there is no response, the petitioner is before this Court.

3. Considering the limited relief sought by the petitioner, the respondents are directed to consider the petitioner's application and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of 3 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. With the above direction, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs.

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To 1.The District Collector, Erode, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Gobichettipalayam, Erode.

3.The Additional Director, Horticulture Department, 4.The Joint Director, Erode, 5.The Assistant Director, Horticulture department, Anthiyur Taluk, 5/7

6.The Assistant Director, Anthiyur Taluk, 7.Horticultural Officer, Anthiyur Taluk, 8.The Thasildar, Anthiyur Taluk, 6/7

P.T. ASHA, J kan 09.02.2026 7/7