Ponsikamony R v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER R.Ponsikamony ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Kanyakumari, 2.The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribals Welfare Officer, O/o. The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribals Welfare Officer, 3.The Special Tahsildar (Adi-Dravidar Welfare Department), Office of the Special Tahsildar, Nagercoil.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the second and third respondents to issue patta based on the order passed by the second respondent in his proceedings in Na.Ka. No.J3/20/2025 dated 20.06.2025 within the time frame fixed by this Court.

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For Petitioner : Mr.C.Prithviraj For Respondents : Mr.P.Subbaraja Special Government Pleader *****

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the second and third respondents to issue patta based on the order passed by the second respondent in his proceedings in Na.Ka. No.J3/20/2025 dated 20.06.2025 within the time frame fixed by this Court.

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

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that the petitioner belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. The property comprised in Survey No. 16/4A2, situated at Kalkurumpothai Colony, Thamaraikulam Village, Agastheeswaram Taluk, Kanyakumari District, was allotted to a landless person belonging to the Scheduled Caste community. Page No. 2 of 6

4. The petitioner has been in possession and enjoyment of the said property for several years. The petitioner made a representation dated 05.06.2023 during the grievance day to the first respondent seeking issuance of patta.

5. Thereafter, the second respondent passed an order for issuance of patta in favour of the petitioner vide proceedings in Na.Ka. No.J3/61/2024 dated 04.10.2024. However, the patta has not been issued till date.

6. Once again, the petitioner made a representation dated 26.05.2025 during the grievance day to the first respondent, which was forwarded to the second respondent. The second respondent again passed an order for issuance of patta vide proceedings in Na.Ka. No.J3/20/2025 dated 20.06.2025. Even thereafter, the patta has not been issued. Therefore, the petitioner has been constrained to file the present Writ Petition.

7. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, on instructions, would submit that the petitioner's request Page No. 3 of 6

would be considered and appropriate orders would be passed by the third respondent within a period of sixteen weeks.

8. Recording the above submission and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to consider the petitioner's request for issuance of patta and pass appropriate orders on its merits and in accordance with law and within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The third respondent is also directed to provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, before passing any order. There shall be no order as to costs. [K.SURENDER, J.] 28.01.2026 JEN Index : Yes / No To 1.The District Collector, Kanyakumari, Page No. 4 of 6

2.The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribals Welfare Officer, O/o. The District Adi-Dravidar and Tribals Welfare Officer, 3.The Special Tahsildar (Adi-Dravidar Welfare Department), Office of the Special Tahsildar, Nagercoil.

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K.SURENDER , J.

JEN 28.01.2026 Page No. 6 of 6