A.Arunpriyan v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.08.2025 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SUNDER MOHAN A.Arunpriyan S/o.Aron, 335, Kulakkarai Street, Pattaraiperumbudur, Thiruvallur-631 203.

Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector Thiruvallur District, Chinna Ekkadu, Jaya Nagar, Thiruvallur-602 001.

2.The Deputy Director of Geology and Mining, Collectorate Office, Chinna Ekkadu, Jaya Nagar, Thiruvallur-602 001.

3.The Executive Engineer Kosathalai River Water Basin, PWD, (Water Resource Department) JN Road, Hariram Nagar, V.M.Nagar, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur-602 001.

4.A.Arokiyadhas S/o.Aruldhas, No.21, Vaa Uu Cee Street, Varadharajapuram Village, Thiruvallur-600 123.

Respondents PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the 1st respondent to forthwith act on the representation dated 28.7.2025 and the 3rd respondent to file a report as per the official communication in Na.Ka.No.361/2025 dated 30.7.2025 and take all necessary measures to prevent the excess quarrying operations in the subject land in S.No.312/1,Pattarai Perumbudur Village, Thiruvallur District and a direction to the 1st respondent to cancel the permit /lease rendered to the 4th respondent if violations are found, preventing excess quarrying. For Petitioner:

Mr.Varun.J.

for M/s.S.Kamalakannan For Respondents:

Mr.Stalin Abhimanyu Addl Government Pleader for respondent Nos.1 and 2 Mr.K.Karthik Jagannath Government Advocate for respondent No.3

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) The petition, styled as public interest litigation, has been filed by the petitioner, who claims to be a public-spirited person, alleging that the fourth respondent is involved in quarrying operation contrary to the terms and conditions incorporated in the licence granted on 27.6.2025 insofar as soil depth is concerned.

2. According to the petitioner, the fourth respondent, in the course of carrying out quarrying operation, is digging beyond the soil depth of 0.90 metres.

3. Learned counsel for the State, on instructions, would submit that the representation itself was made on 28.7.2025 and without waiting for a reasonable time, the petitioner has rushed to this court. He would further submit that taking cognizance of the complaint, enquiry has already been ordered.

4. In our view, the official respondents cannot be said to be guilty of any inaction in relation to the allegation raised in the representation, so as to entertain this petition at this stage. Writ petition is dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs. (MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ) (SUNDER MOHAN,J) 25.08.2025 Index :

Yes/No :

Yes/No sasi To:

1.The District Collector Thiruvallur District, Chinna Ekkadu, Jaya Nagar, Thiruvallur-602 001 2.The Deputy Director Of Geology and Mining, Collectorate Office, Chinna Ekkadu, Jaya Nagar, Thiruvallur-602 001 3.The Executive Engineer Kosathalai River Water Basin, PWD, (Water Resource Department) JN Road, Hariram Nagar, V.M.Nagar, Kakkalur, Thiruvallur-602 001

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND SUNDER MOHAN,J.

(sasi) 25.08.2025