Aruna Timber Depot v. The Additional Chief Secretary
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 07.01.2025
CORAM
THE HON'BLE Mr. JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN W.P.No.38432 of 2024 and W.M.P.Nos.41627 & 41629 of 2024 Aruna Timber Depot, Rep. by its Partner, R.A.A.Arun, S/o. R.A.A.Subas Chandran, Old No.190, New No.12, Mount Road, Little Mount, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.
.. Petitioner Vs.
1.The Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, 7th Floor, Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Head of the Forest Force, Guindy - Velacherry Main Road, Kanigapuram Check Post, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.
3.The Forest Range Officer, Chennai Forest Range, Chennai Headquarters Range, 4th Floor, III Administration Block,
D.M.S. Compound, No.259, Annasalai, Chennai - 600 006.
.. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Ceritorari, calling for the records relating to the impugned order issued by the 3rd respondent dated 01.10.2024 in Ref. No 88 / 2023, served on 02.12.2024 and to quash the same. For Petitioner .. Mr.C.Prabakaran For Respondents .. Mr.T.Seenivasan, SGP
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed in the nature of Certiorari seeking records relating to the order issued by the 3rd respondent / the Forest Range Officer, Chennai Forest Range, Chennai dated 01.10.2024 and to quash the same.
2.In the affidavit filed in support of the writ petition, it had been stated that the petitioner firm, Aruna Timber Depot had a licence for running the business of Saw Mill, which was renewed on 20.07.2016 and had expired on 09.08.2021. The renewal for the licence was made on 29.12.2021 by the petitioner by paying the necessary fees for the same. Thereafter, since the Covid-19 Pandemic had set in, there was no progress with respect to
processing of the application of the petitioner. But however, the 3rd respondent had passed the impugned order wherein, the request for renewal of the licence was rejected. Thereafter, the petitioner filed an appeal before the 1st respondent / the Additional Chief Secretary, Environment Climate Change and Forest Department, Chennai. That appeal is pending. 3.It would only be appropriate that the 1st respondent disposes of the appeal of the petitioner on or before 31.03.2025 by taking recourse to the principles as enunciated under law. While disposing the appeal, the 1st respondent may also take note of the stipulations as provided in G.O.Ms.No.33 dated 01.06.2021 and examine whether they would apply to the petitioner or not.
4.With the above observations, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. 07.01.2025 Index:Yes/No Internet:Yes/No smv C.V.KARTHIKEYAN,J.
smv
To 1.The Additional Chief Secretary, Environment, Climate Change and Forest Department, 7th Floor, Namakkal Kavignar Maaligai, Chennai - 600 009.
2.The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Head of the Forest Force, Guindy - Velacherry Main Road, Kanigapuram Check Post, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.
3.The Forest Range Officer, Chennai Forest Range, Chennai Headquarters Range, 4th Floor, III Administration Block, D.M.S. Compound, No.259, Annasalai, Chennai - 600 006.
W.P.No.38432 of 2024 07.01.2025