S.Suganthi v. Regional Transport Authority
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 24.06.2025 CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE N.MALA Writ Petition No.15865 of 2025 S.Suganthi ... Petitioner Vs.
Regional Transport Authority, Mettupalayam Region, Coimbatore District.
... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent herein to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's application for renewal of mini bus permit dated 23.12.2020, for the period from 23.01.2021 to 22.01.2026 in respect of vehicle number TN-39/Q-6017, permitted to ply on the route Kittampalayam to Mathampalayam Vinaygar Kovil by taking into consideration the letter of Transport Commissioner Chennai in Na.Ka.No.44439/J2/2022 dated 5.06.2023, forthwith. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Hariharan For Respondent :Mr.M.Rajendiran, Additional Government Pleader
O R D E R
The petitioner has filed this petition to direct the respondent herein to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's application for renewal of mini Page No.1 of 5
bus permit dated 23.12.2020, for the period from 23.01.2021 to 22.01.2026 in respect of vehicle number TN-39/Q-6017, permitted to ply on the route Kittampalayam to Mathampalayam Vinaygar Kovil by taking into consideration the letter of Transport Commissioner Chennai in Na.Ka.No.44439/J2/2022 dated 5.06.2023, forthwith.
2. The petitioner, a mini bus permit holder for the route "Kittampalayam to Mathampalayam Vinayagar Kovil" in respect of vehicle TN-39/Q-6017, applied for renewal of the permit on 23.12.2020 for the period 23.01.2021 to 22.01.2026. Though the application was returned for fee compliance, the petitioner promptly resubmitted it with the required fee. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting financial hardship, the petitioner could not operate the bus during that period. On 05.06.2023, the Transport Commissioner of Tamil Nadu issued a circular instructing all RTOs to renew mini bus permits that lapsed during the COVID period after collecting tax with penalty. Despite the petitioner expressing readiness to pay the dues and submitting the application, the respondent has not acted upon it. Aggrieved by this inaction, the petitioner has filed this Writ Petition.
3. Though many grounds have been raised in this writ petition, learned Page No.2 of 5
counsel for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice if this Court issues direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner's application for renewal of mini bus permit dated 23.12.2020 on merits and in accordance with law, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
4. Learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent has no objection for the said order being passed by this Court.
5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.
6. Considering the limited relief sought for by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondent to consider the petitioner's application for renewal of mini bus permit dated 23.12.2020 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. With the aforesaid observation and direction, this writ petition is Page No.3 of 5
disposed of. No costs.
24.06.2025 vm/gv Index :
Yes/No Speaking Order :
Yes/No :
Yes/No To:
Regional Transport Authority, Mettupalayam Region, Coimbatore District.
N.MALA.,J.
Vm/gv Page No.4 of 5
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