Best Timbers v. The Union Of India
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 15-09-2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M/s Best Timbers A. Partnership Firm, Rep By Its Partner Mr. G. Madhu, New No 515 Old No 274 Nehru Timber Market, Raja Muthiah Salai Choolai, Chennai 600112 Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Union Of India Rep By Its Under Secretary, Ministry Of Agricultural And Farmers Welfare, Department Of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 2.The Plant Protection Officer Plant Quarantine Station, Regional Plant Quarantine Station (RPQS) G.S.T Road, Near Trident Hotel, Meenambakkam Chennai 600 027 3.The Joint Director (WS) Regional Plant Quarantinue Station (RPQS) G.S.T. Road, Near Trident Hotel, Meenambakkam Chennai 600 016 Respondent(s) 1/5
PRAYER Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the Respondent Nos. 2 and 3 to consider the representation dated 15.07.2024 and subsequently, the reminder dated 06.06.2025 made by the petitioner's, firm and consequently direct the refund of the Relaxation fees, a sum of Rs 9,74,000/- and the return of the expired Bank Guarantees for the sum of Rs 9,74,000/- totalling Rs 19,48,000/- within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court For Petitioner(s):
Mr.Thirumalai Rajagopal Ms.Shrivirudishni V For Respondents:
Mr.G.Ilangovan for R1 to R3 SPC
ORDER
By consent of the either parties, the writ petition is disposed at the admission stage itself.
2. This petition has been filed seeking for a direction to the Respondent Nos. 2 and 3 to consider the representation dated 15.07.2024 and subsequently, the reminder dated 06.06.2025 made by the petitioner's, firm and consequently direct the refund of the Relaxation fees, a sum of Rs.9,74,000/- and the return of the expired Bank Guarantees for the sum of Rs 9,74,000/- totalling Rs.19,48,000/- within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court 2/5
3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner-Firm is a wholesale merchant of timber for the past several decades. The petitioner made a representation dated 15.07.2024 to the 3 rd respondent seeking refund of amount of Rs.9,74,000/- and to return the expired original bank guarantees for Rs.9,74,000/- along with no claim letter, for which the petitioner is entitled to, however, the same was not considered, hence the petitioner sent another remainder dated 06.05.2025. However, no action was taken till date and hence, the present writ petition.
4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may issue a direction to the third respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner and pass appropriate orders within the time stipulated by this Court.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the limited request sought for by the petitioner, this Court directs the third respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representation dated 15.07.2024 and 06.05.2025 within a period of four weeks weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
7. With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 15-09-2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes 3/5
To 1.The Union Of India Rep By Its Under Secreary Ministry Of Agricultural And Farmers Welfare, Department Of Agriculture, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi 2.The Plant Protection Officer Plant Quarantine Station, Regional Plant Quarantine Station (rpqs) G.S.T Road Near Trident Hotel, Meenambakkam Chennai 600 027 3.The Joint Director (ws) Regional Plant Quarantinue Station (rpqs) G.S.T. Road, Near Trident Hotel, Meenambakkam Chennai 600 4/5
M.DHANDAPANI J.
15-09-2025 5/5