S.Rajedran v. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forest,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15.12.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE M.S. RAMESH S.Rajedran ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Head of the Forest Department, Velachery Rd, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600 032. 2.The Conservator of Forest, Salem Circle, Salem.

3.The District Forest Officer, Chengalpattu District.

4.The Forest Range Officer, Athur Forest Division, C/o. The District Forest Officer, Salem.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to dispose of the appeal dated 05.01.2021 of the petitioner against the order of the 3rd respondent in Pro.No.3038/94/Pa.1 dated 15.05.2001 (Served on 05.11.2020) within a limited time frame.

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For Petitioner : Mr.M. Sarath Kumar For Respondents : Mrs.V. Yamuna Devi, Special Government Pleader

ORDER

With the consent of both the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

2. The limited prayer sought for in this Writ Petition is for a direction to the respondents herein, to dispose of the appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 05.01.2021.

3. It is needless to point out that whenever a statutory appeal is preferred before the Appellate Authority, there is a duty cast on them to dispose of the appeal expeditiously. Non-compliance of such a responsibility would amount to dereliction of duties and this Court would be justified in directing the authority to dispose of the appeal within a stipulated time, in exercise of its powers under Article 226 of Constitution of India. 2/4

4. In the light of the above observations, there shall be a direction to the respondents herein, to dispose of the petitioner's appeal dated 05.01.2021, if not already disposed of, on their own merits and in accordance with law, within a period of three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

15.12.2023 Speaking/Non-speaking Order Index: Yes/No Internet: Yes/No Sni 3/4

M.S.RAMESH,J.

Sni To 1.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Head of the Forest Department, Velachery Rd, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600 032. 2.The Conservator of Forest, Salem Circle, Salem.

3.The District Forest Officer, Chengalpattu District.

4.The Forest Range Officer, Athur Forest Division, C/o. The District Forest Officer, Salem.

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