V.Jayaprakash v. The Revenue Divisional Officer

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 16.03.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH V.Jayaprakash

...Petitioner

Vs 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore South, Coimbatore District.

2.The Tahsildar, Madukarai, Coimbatore District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to dispose of petitioner's appeal dated 21.12.2022 within a time frame. For Petitioner : Mr.L.Mouli For Respondents : Mr.V.Veluchamy Additional Government Pleader 1/4

ORDER

With the consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The limited prayer sought for in this Writ Petition is for a direction to the first respondent herein to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 21.12.2022 within a stipulated time.

3. It is needless to point out that whenever a statutory appeal is preferred before the Appellate Authority, there is a duty cast on them to dispose of the appeal expeditiously. Non-compliance of such a responsibility would amount to dereliction of duties and this Court would be justified in directing the authority to dispose of the appeal within a stipulated time, in exercise of its powers under Article 226 of Constitution of India.

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the first respondent herein to dispose of the petitioner's appeal petition dated 21.12.2022, if not already disposed of, after giving due opportunity 2/4

to the petitioner, as well as all other persons who may be interested in the subject property, on its own merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

16.03.2023 Index:Yes/No Speaking order/Non-speaking order hvk To 1.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Coimbatore South, Coimbatore District.

2.The Tahsildar, Madukarai, Coimbatore District.

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M.S.RAMESH,J.

hvk 16.03.2023 4/4