A.Vanathai v. Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd.
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 20-04-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI A.Vanathai W/o.Anthony Joseph, No.13, East Street, Irruppukurichi, U.Agaram Post, Vridhachalam Taluk, Cuddalore District.
..Petitioner Vs
1. Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd. Represented By Its Managing Director, Karur Road, Mallachipuram, Kambarasampettai, Tiruchirapalli 620101.
2. The Regional Manager Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd., 181, Kanmani Nagar, Pazhapannai Road, Virudhachalam 606001.
3. The Forest Ranger Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd., No.235 Navaneetham Street, Periyar Nagar, Virudhachalam 606001, Cuddalore District.
..Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India seeking for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to refund a sum of Rs.82,825/- paid by the petitioner to respondents towards auction for cutting trees, with interest from the date of payment.
For Petitioner:
Mr. J.Antony Jesus For Respondents:
Dr. T.Seenivasan
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed directing the respondents to refund a sum of Rs.82,825/- paid by the petitioner to respondents towards auction for cutting trees, with interest from the date of payment.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit hat though the 2nd respondent issued work order to the petitioner on 16.11.2022 for cutting 249 dried and insect infected trees and despite the advance amount, amount towards income tax, security deposit as well as the balance auction amount being paid by the petitioner, the 2nd and 3rd respondents are not permitting the petitioner to carry out his work. In this regard, the petitioner sent a communication to the 1st respondent on 10.10.2023, requesting them to grant permission to him to cut 249 trees as per auction. Thereafter, he sent a legal notice to the respondents on 07.12.2023 demanding him to refund the auction amount of Rs.82,825/- paid by the petitioner with interest, for which the 2nd respondent sent a reply alleging delay on the part of the petitioner in cutting the trees, by suppressing the fact that permission was not granted by the respondents to the petitioner for cutting the trees. Hence, this petition.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the petitioners may be directed to submit a representation to the respondents, seeking refund of the aforesaid amount and on such representation being made, the respondent concerned will consider and pass orders on the same on merits and in accordance with law, within a stipulated period.
4. Considering the submissions made by the learned counsel appearing on either side, this Court without going into the merits of the case, permits the petitioner to submit a representation to the respondents, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order and on such representation being made, the respondent concerned is directed to consider and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period four weeks thereafter.
5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 20-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order arr
To
1. Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd. Represented By Its Managing Director, Karur Road, Mallachipuram, Kambarasampettai, Tiruchirapalli 620101.
2. The Regional Manager Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd., 181, Kanmani Nagar, Pazhapannai Road, Virudhachalam 606001.
3. The Forest Ranger Tamil Nadu Forest Plantation Corporation Ltd., No.235 Navaneetham Street, Periyar Nagar, Virudhachalam 606001, Cuddalore District.
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
arr W.P No. 10172 of 2024 20-04-2026