Sri Kumaran Granites v. The Director Of Geology And Mining

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 23-02-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA and WMP.No.7298 of 2026 Sri Kumaran Granites Revathi. S (Proprietor) , W/o. N.Senthilkumar, D.No. 13/7 , 25-J, Karuppannankadu, Moolapathai, Arasiraani, Aalchampalayam Post, Sankari Taluk, Salem district 637101.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Director of Geology and Mining Department of Geology and Mining , Guindy, Chennai 32.

2. The District Collector Salem district, Salem 636 001

3. The Deputy director of geology and mining Salem district, Salem 636 001 ..Respondent(s) Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to issue the precise demarcated sketch for the quarry land in SF No.497/2 (Part) Arasiramani Bit II Village, Sankari Taluk, Salem district to process and grant the quarry lease pursuant to the e-auction.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.M.R.Dharani Chander For Respondent(s):

Mr.Stalin Abhimanuy, AGP

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to issue a precise demarcated sketch for the quarry land in SF No.497/2 (Part) Arasiramani Bit II Village, Sankari Taluk, Salem District, and consequently to process and grant the quarry lease pursuant to the e-auction.

2. It is the case of the petitioner that she has been running a granite quarry business for the past five years. She participated in an e-auction conducted by the District Collector, Salem with the consent of the Director of Geology and Mining, for grant of Multi Colour Granite quarry lease in S.F.No.497/2 (Part), Arasiramani Bit II Village, Sankiri Taluk, Salem District. The petitioner emerged as the highest bidder. Pursuant to the official proceedings, she remitted the entire bid amount of Rs.1,74 ,00,000/- along with statutory TDS, well within the prescribed time. After completion of the e-auction process and receipt of the full consideration amount, the respondents are statutorily bound under Rule 8(17)(b) to (e) of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concessions Rules to issue the precise demarcated sketch to enable the submission of the mining plan within 30 days. However, the same has been withheld by the first respondent on the ground that the upset price fixed prior to the auction was low.

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that once the e-auction process is completed, the bid accepted, and the entire bid amount collected, the respondents have no authority in law to withhold the lease file, which is illegal. Despite repeated personal visits and written representations dated, 23.12.2025, 05.01.2026 and 19.01.20206, no action has been taken. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

4. Heard the rival submissions and perused the materials available on record.

5. Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made by the learned counsel for both sides, this Court directs the respondents to demarcate the quarry within a period of two weeks from today and submit a report before this Court on 12.03.2026. It is needless to state that the award of contract shall not be finalised until such demarcation is effected. Thereafter, the application shall be considered and appropriate orders shall be passed on merits and in accordance with law.

6. The Writ Petition is disposed of with the above directions. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 23-02-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Note: I.T. on 25.02.2026 PVS To

1. The Director of Geology and Mining Department of Geology and Mining , Guindy, Chennai 32

2. The District Collector Salem district, Salem 636 001

3. The Deputy director of geology and mining Salem district, Salem 636 001

P.T.ASHA, J.

PVS 23-02-2026