M.Purusothaman v. The Chief General Manager

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.11.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M.Purushothaman ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Tamil Nadu State Office, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 035.

2.The Dy.General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Tondiarpet Terminal, Chennnai-600 021.

... Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of Indian praying issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondents to take appropriate action on petitioner's letter dated 27.11.2023 for refund a sum of Rs.18,56,000/-. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Vijaya Raghavan for M/s.S.Vennila.

For Respondents : Mr.Mohd. Fayaz Ali, Standing Counsel

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the Respondents to take appropriate action on the petitioner's letter dated 27.11.2023 for refund a sum of Rs.18,56,000/-.

2. The petitioner is a Transporter of Bulk Petroleum products and was operating under a contract awarded by the 1st Respondent Corporation. On 16.07.2025, at about 11.30 Hrs, while the petitioner was carrying out loading operations of the 1st respondent's petroleum products, the Civil Supplies CID Police seized the petitioner's Tanker Truck bearing registration No.TN 02 BP 5265 (Ashok Leyland) along with the diesel loaded therein and also took the driver of the vehicle into custody. Since the petroleum products worth Rs.18,56,000/- had already been loaded at the IOCL Tondiarpet Terminal, the petitioner is entitled for refund of the said amount. In order to claim the refund amount, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 27.11.2023 to 1st respondent. However, no action has been taken on the same so far. Hence, the present Writ Petition.

3. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.11.2023 and pass orders on the same on merits within the time that may be stipulated by this Court.

4. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned Standing counsel appearing for the respondents.

5. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 27.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and to any other interested parties.

6. The Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs.

25.11.2025 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-Speaking Order Nhs

M.DHANDAPANI, J Nhs To 1.The Chief General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Tamil Nadu State Office, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai-600 035.

2.The Dy.General Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Tondiarpet Terminal, Chennnai-600 021.

25.11.2025