N.Jagadeesan v. The Tahsildar
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Dated : 19.08.2025 Coram:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ N.Jagadeesan
...Petitioner
Versus
1.The Tahsildar, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.
2.The Special Officer cum Director of Rural Development, Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board, Panagal Maligai Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 5.
3.The District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.
(R3 is impleaded by this Court vide Order dated 19.08.2025 in W.P.No.29919 of 2025)
...Respondents
Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondent herein to dispose within time frame the petitioner representation dated 12.02.2025 seeking mutation of Patta in Patta No.79 with respect to the petitioner property in Old Survey No.228, New Survey No.48/7 at Manapakkam Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District admeasuring to 33.50 Ares. 1/6
For Petitioner :
Mr.G.Magesh Kumar For Respondents :
Mr.A.Selvendran, Special Government Pleader
ORDER
By consent of learned counsel on both sides, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
2. The relief sought in this writ petition is to direct the respondents to dispose the petitioner's Representation dated 12.02.2025 seeking mutation of Patta in Patta No.79 in respect of the petitioner's property comprised in Old Survey No.228, New Survey No.48/7 measuring an extent of 33.50 Ares situated at Manapakkam Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.
3. At the outset, the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District vide Communication dated 05.03.2025 directed the 1st respondent to conduct enquiry on the petitioner's Representation dated 12.02.2025 and submit a report. He further submitted that 1st respondent 2/6
would consider the petitioner's Representation dated 12.02.2025 and pass appropriate orders, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
4. Insofar as the present case is concerned, since the District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District had directed the 1st respondent to conduct enquiry on the petitioner's representation, this Court is of the view that District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District is a necessary party to be impleaded in this writ petition. Hence, this Court suo motu impleads the District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District as 3rd respondent in this writ petition.
5. In view of the limited relief sought by the petitioner, this Court is inclined to dispose of this Writ Petition with the following directions: (i) The 1st respondent shall consider the petitioner's Representation dated 12.02.2025, after issuing notice and affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and all other interested parties including rival claimants, if any.
(ii) Though facts have been set out in affidavit, in view of the limited relief that is sought to be granted, I do not propose to examine the same, lest 3/6
it may influence the Authority. The 1st respondent shall independently consider the facts and law set out in the petitioner's Representation and pass appropriate orders, in accordance with law including but not limited to the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Patta Pass Book Act, 1983 and Tamil Nadu Patta Pass Book Rules, 1987.
(iii) The 1st respondent shall dispose of the petitioner's Representation dated 12.02.2025 within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of uploading of web copy of this order without waiting for the receipt of certified copy of this order.
(iv) It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any views with regard to the merits of the case and it is open to 1st respondent to consider the matter on its own merits and in accordance with law. Rights and contentions of the petitioner and all other interested parties are left open. No costs.
19.08.2025 mrr Index : Yes/No 4/6
To 1.The Tahsildar, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District.
2.The Special Officer cum Director of Rural Development, Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Board, Panagal Maligai Building, Saidapet, Chennai - 5.
3.The District Revenue Officer, Cuddalore, Cuddalore District.
5/6
MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ, J.
mrr 19.08.2025 6/6