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Madras High CourtWP/27313/2024disposed of

Mrs.T.Sarathambal v. The District Collector,

2026-04-02Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy5 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-04-2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY Mrs.T.Sarathambal W/o.M.Arumugam, Residing At No.40, Sri Mohan Garden, Thiruvanthipuram Road, Nathaveli, Cuddalore 607 401.

Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector, Cuddalore .

2.The Commissioner, Cuddalore Corporation, Cuddalore.

3.The Assistant Director, Town And Country Planning, Cuddalore District.

4.The Director Of Town And Country Planning, Koyambedu, Chennai.

Respondent(s) PRAYER Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for records to quash the order passed by the 3rd Respondent vide Na.Ka.No.483 /2023 Ka.Ma.dated 17/03/2023 and to quash the Consequential order passed by the 2nd Respondent vide Na.Ka.No.1862 /2022 /F2 dated 16/05/2023 and to direct the 2nd and 3rd Respondent to conduct fresh enquiry.

For Petitioner(s):

Ms.A.Ashwinkumar & Ms.R.Ajitha For Respondent(s):

Mrs.S.Anitha, SGP for R1 to 4

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed challenging impugned order dated 17.03.2023 passed by the 3rd respondent.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that in this case, by virtue of the impugned order, the respondent had removed the petitioner's name from the panel of registered Engineers, merely based on the paper advertisement. However, no opportunity was provided to the petitioner prior to the passing of the said impugned order, which is violation of principles of natural justice. Hence, this petition.

3. In reply, the learned counsel for the respondents had confirmed the submissions made by the petitioner and requests this Court to pass appropriate orders.

4. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the respondents and also perused the entire materials available on record.

5. In the case on hand, vide the impugned order, the respondent had removed the petitioner's name from the panel of registered Engineers, merely based on the paper advertisement.

6. Further, it was submitted that no sufficient opportunities were provided to the petitioner prior to the passing of said impugned order. In such case, there is no doubt that the impugned order was passed in violation of principles of natural justice and hence, the same is liable to be set aside. Accordingly, this Court passes the following order:- (i) The impugned order dated 17.03.2023 is set aside and the matter is remanded to the respondent for fresh consideration (ii) The petitioner is directed to consider the aforesaid order dated 17.03.2023 as a show cause notice issued by the respondent and file their reply/objection along with the required documents, if any, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order. (iii) On filing of such reply/objection by the petitioner, the respondent shall consider the same and after affording sufficient opportunity to the petitioner, pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, after hearing the petitioner, within a period of 4 weeks from the date of filing of reply by the petitioner.

7. With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are also closed. 02-04-2026 nsa Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To 1.The District Collector, Cuddalore .

2.The Commissioner, Cuddalore Corporation, Cuddalore.

3.The Assistant Director, Town And Country Planning, Cuddalore District.

4.The Director Of Town And Country Planning, Koyambedu, Chennai.

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY J.

nsa 02-04-2026