M.Chengappan v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 11.07.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE N.MALA M.Chengappan, S/o Munsamy, No 5/63, P.K. Mottur, Kallapadi Gudiyattam Taluk, Vellore District Petitioner(s) Vs 1.The District Collector, Vellore District, Vellore 632 009.
2.The District Forest Officer, Vellore District, Vellore 632 009.
3.The Joint Director / Projects, District Rural Development, Department, Vellore District.
4.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation And Distribution Corporation Limited, Tirupattur Electricity Distribution Circle, Guidyattam - 632 602, Vellore District.
5.The Block Development Officer, Gudiyattam Taluk, Gudiyattam - 632 602, Vellore District.
Respondent(s) 1/6
Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for the issuance of a direction in the nature of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2 nd respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.12.2024 to give permission to the 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th Respondents herein to carry out and complete the work of laying the Road, providing electricity and water facilities as mentioned in the 3 rd respondent's Proceedings in Na.Ka.A/ 282/2021 dated 29.10.2024 within a stipulated time as fixed by this Honble Court and pass such further orders.
For Petitioner:
Mr.K.A.Ravindran For Respondents:
Mr.S.Rajesh, Government Advocate for R1 to R3 Mr.Madhusuthan for R4 Mr.Prasanth Kiran, Government Advocate for R5
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2 nd respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.12.2024 to give permission to the 3 rd, 4 th and 5 th Respondents herein to carry out and complete the work of laying the Road and providing electricity and water facilities as mentioned in the 3 rd respondent's Proceedings in Na.Ka.A/ 282/2021 dated 29.10.2024 within a stipulated time. 2/6
2. The petitioner, a resident of K.Mottur Village, seeks road access, electricity, and water supply for the village and nearby agricultural lands. The petitioner's son, Mr.C.Devan, a CRPF constable, was martyred in a Naxal attack on 30.01.2024. Following this, the petitioner requested infrastructure development, which was approved by the authorities, and funds were allocated. The request was accepted, and the Block Development Officer (5 th Respondent) allocated Rs.9,70,000/- for road construction and Rs.1,83,350/- for erecting electric poles. Work commenced under the supervision of the officials. However, the Forest Department halted the project, citing the need for permission, leaving the work incomplete.
3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner contends that despite official approvals and funds being sanctioned, the Forest Department's failure to grant permission has obstructed essential infrastructure work, causing hardship to 25 families. A representation was submitted on 11.12.2024, but no action has been taken. Hence the present writ petition is filed. 3/6
4. Learned Government Advocate appearing for R1 to R3 would submit that the representation of the petitioner dated 11.12.2024 would be considered on merits, in accordance with law, within a time frame stipulated by this Court.
5. Heard both sides and perused the materials available on record.
6. Without going into the merits of the case, the 2 nd respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 11.12.2024 after conducting a detailed enquiry by giving due notice to the petitioner, affording an opportunity of personal hearing, to take into consideration all the relevant documents submitted by the petitioner in regard to the subject matter property and pass appropriate orders on merits, in accordance with law, within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
In the result, the writ petition stands disposed of with the above observations and direction. No costs.
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To 1.The District Collector, Vellore District, Vellore 632 009.
2.The District Forest Officer, Vellore District, Vellore 632 009.
3.The Joint Director / Projects, District Rural Development, Department, Vellore District.
4.The Executive Engineer, Tamil Nadu Generation And Distribution Corporation Limited, Tirupattur Electricity Distribution Circle, Guidyattam - 632 602, Vellore District.
5.The Block Development Officer, Gudiyattam Taluk, Gudiyattam - 632 602, Vellore District.
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N.MALA, J.
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