M/S. Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, v. The State Of Tamilnadu,
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 21.11.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI M/s.Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Rep.by its Divisional Retail Sales Head, (Marketing Division) Coimbatore Divisional Office, Indian Oil Bhavan, 9/1079, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore - 641 018.
...Petitioner
Vs.
1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep.by its Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Fort St.George, Chennai - 9.
2.The District Collector, Coimbatore District, Coimbatore - 641 018.
3.The District Revenue Officer, 1/8
Coimbatore District, Coimbatore - 641 018.
4.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Coimbatore Division, Coimbatore.
5.The Tahsildar, Coimbatore North, Coimbatore 641 012.
6.The Revenue Inspector, Coimbatore North Taluk, Coimbatore.
...Respondents
Prayer : This writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records pertaining to the issuance of proceedings in Na.Ka.No.766/2014 A5 dated 14.12.2018 on the file of 5 th respondent in Na.Ka.No.13404/2018/A4 dated 07.08.2020 on the file of the 3 rd respondent and Section 8 Distraint order dated 28.12.2022 on the file of the 6 th respondent and quash the same consequently direct the 2 nd respondent to re-determine the lease rentals, in accordance with law.
For Petitioner(s) : Mr.V.Anantha Natarajan 2/8
For Respondent(s) : Ms.S.Anitha Special Government Pleader
O R D E R
This writ petition is being disposed of with the consent of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.
2. The Indian Oil Corporation Limited, a Government of India undertaking, engaged in marketing Petroleum products through retail network and has been enjoying the market leadership. It is the only Fortune 500 Company from India globally. It is based upon the merit eligibility and after the completion of the strict selection process, appoints dealers and retailers for marking of their products. The outlets classified as "A" site retail outlet is either owned or leased by the Corporation and operated by a dealer who has been appointed by the Corporation as per the rules/policies of Government of India, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, New Delhi. The petitioner is in 3/8
occupation of government land, however, it is alleged that the petitioner had not paid any lease amount, thereby, the impugned orders were passed. Challenging the same, the present writ petition is filed.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that, though the petitioner had paid the lease amount then and there, however, without considering the same, the respondents have passed the impugned orders, which is wholly unsustainable. However, on instructions, learned counsel, submitted that, in order prove their bonafide, the petitioner is ready to deposit any amount that may be prescribed by this Court. He submitted that this Court may issue a direction to the respondents to assess and fix the lease amount upon receipt of the said amount, after providing opportunity to the petitioner, within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court.
4. Learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that, though petitioner enjoyed a vast extent of land by running petrol bunk, however, 4/8
they have not paid any amount to the respondents. Hence, the present impugned orders are passed, which is per se sustainable. Accordingly, she prays for dismissal of this writ petition.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and considering the allegation made against the petitioner that they have not paid any amount to the respondents and in order to strike balance in between the parties, without interfering with the respective impugned orders, this Court is inclined to direct the petitioner to deposit Rs.30 lakhs to the respondents to show their bonafide.
6. Accordingly, the petitioner is directed to deposit a sum Rs.30,00,000/- (Rupees Thirty Lakhs only) in respect of the subject property in this writ petition to the respondents, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Upon receipt of the said amount, the respondents are directed to assess and fix the 5/8
lease amount, after providing opportunity to the petitioner and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four (4) weeks thereafter.
7. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 21.11.2025 Index : Yes/No Internet: Yest/No Speaking or Non-speaking order kak To 1.The Secretary to Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Revenue Department, Fort St.George, Chennai - 9.
2.The District Collector, Coimbatore District, Coimbatore - 641 018.
3.The District Revenue Officer, Coimbatore District,Coimbatore - 641 018.
4.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Coimbatore Division, Coimbatore.
6/8
5.The Tahsildar, Coimbatore North, Coimbatore 641 012.
6.The Revenue Inspector, Coimbatore North Taluk, Coimbatore.
M. DHANDAPANI, J.
kak 7/8
W.P. No.
15834 of 2024 Dated :
.11.2025 8/8