Peter Chelladurai K v. The Director,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 15.09.2023

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI K.Peter Chelladurai S/o.Kuzhanthaidoss, Secretary, Thennampatti Released Bonded Labour Welfare Society, Registration No.3/2001, Thennampatti, Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District.

... Petitioner Vs 1.The Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

2.The District Collector, Dindigul District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a writ of Mandamus, directing the second respondent to extend the lease already granted for the welfare of the released bonded labourers of quarry vide registered lease Document No. 1/4

77 of 2017 and to direct the second respondent to pass an order to extend his previous order passed in ROC No.261/2015 (Mines) dated 10.01.2017 based on the petitioner's representation dated 15.11.2021. For Petitioner :Mr.M.Chelladurai For Respondents :Mr.M.Sarangan Additional Govt. Pleader

O R D E R

The petitioner claiming to be a bonded labourer representing a society. They have been granted with a quarry lease for a period of five years in their capacity as bonded labourer and the period of lease granted was over on 09.01.2021. The petitioner has now made a representation for extension of lease and filed this writ petition for a mandamus to consider their request for extension of lease of the quarry.

2. The petitioner was considered for grant of lease that they are bonded labourer and lease was also provided for a period of five years for their rehabilitation. Apart from this scheme the Government is also providing Rural Employment Scheme under the MGNREGA Scheme for a period of 100 days per year. The petitioner's quarry workers shall also be considered in the MGNREGA scheme and therefore, 2/4

there is no necessity for any grant of quarry lease in the name of the bonded labourer. The petitioners have been provided with 5 years of quarry licence and therefore, there shall not be any extension as a matter of right. The Government shall consider them under the MGNREGA scheme.

3. Accordingly, this writ petition is dismissed. No costs. NCC : Yes / No.

Index : Yes / No.

15.09.2023 Internet:Yes am To 1.The Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

2.The District Collector, Dindigul District.

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B.PUGALENDHI, J.

am Order made in 15.09.2023 4/4