V. Pappathi v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED : 17.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA V.Pappathi ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri 2.The Sub Collector cum The Divisional Executive Magistrate Dharmapuri, Dharmapuri District.

3.The District Revenue Officer Dharmapuri, Dharmapuri District

...Respondents

Prayer:- Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to forthwith consider and pass orders on the Statutory Appeal of the petitioner dated 03.08.2021 within a stipulated period.

For Petitioner : Mr.K.Selvaraj For Respondents : M/s.S.Anitha, Spl.GP. for R.1 to R.3.

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O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- "directing the respondents to forthwith consider and pass orders on the Statutory Appeal of the petitioner dated 03.08.2021 within a stipulated period. ."

2. The brief facts are as follows:- 2.1. The petitioner is a senior citizen aged about 75 years. She has three daughters and one son. Out of the three daughters, one is mentally challenged and is fully dependent on the petitioner. The petitioner, along with her late husband, owns 5 acres of land and a residential house. 2.2. The petitioner and her late husband gave the residential house to their son, Mr. V. Govindaraji, an Army retiree, and performed his marriage with Mrs. Durgadevi. The son and daughter-in-law assured the petitioner and her late husband that they would take care of their physical needs, food, shelter, clothing, medical expenses, and other basic amenities during their old age. Believing the said assurance, the petitioner and her late husband also transferred the 5 acres of land in favour of the son and daughter-in-law. However, after registration of the transfer documents, the 2/5

son and daughter-in-law failed to maintain the petitioner and her late husband, denying them food, shelter, clothing, and medical care. They further subjected the petitioner and her late husband to threats and cruelty, and even attempted to poison them, compelling them to leave the house and live on the streets.

2.3. Aggrieved by such ill-treatment, the Petitioner and her late husband filed a complaint on 22.07.2021 before the Sub-Collector, the 2nd respondent herein under the provisions of the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007. The said complaint was dismissed by the 2nd respondent on the very same date. Challenging the said dismissal, the petitioner and her late husband preferred a Statutory Appeal before the 1st respondent, as provided under the Act. During the pendency of the appeal, the petitioner's husband Mr. Varadhappan passed away, leaving the petitioner alone to pursue the proceedings. Despite the lapse of more than four years, the statutory appeal is still pending before the 1st respondent. Though the 2nd respondent has already forwarded the records, no orders have been passed to date, causing grave hardship to the petitioner. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

3. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the records. 3/5

4. Considering the limited request of the petitioner and also taking into account the fact that the petitioner's Statutory Appeal dated 03.08.2021 has not been disposed of to date, this Writ Petition is allowed. The respondents are directed to dispose of the Statutory Appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 03.08.2021 on merits and in accordance with law within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.

17.12.2025 (shr) Index : Yes/No Speaking Order: Yes/No To 1.The District Collector Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri 2.The Sub Collector cum The Divisional Executive Magistrate Dharmapuri, Dharmapuri District.

3.The District Revenue Officer Dharmapuri, Dharmapuri District 4/5

P.T. ASHA . J., (shr) 17.12.2025 5/5