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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/4203/2026allowed

Maria Margret v. The District Collector

2026-02-16Honourable Mr Justice R.Vijayakumar4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 16.02.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P.(MD)No.4203 of 2026 Maria Margret

...Petitioner

Vs

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli - 627 009.

2. The Tahsildar, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli - 9.

3. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District.

4. The Tahsildar, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

...Respondents

PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondent 2 or 4 to issue the Legal heir Certificate of the Petitioner's husband, Late Joseph Jerald Sridhar within a time frame fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : M/s.P.Ronald For Respondents : M/s.D.Farjana Ghoushia Special Government Pleader 1/4

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus directing the respondents 2 or 4 to issue legal heir certificate of the petitioner's husband.

2. A perusal of the records reveal that the petitioner's husband has passed away on 14.09.2010. The permanent address of the deceased person is Palayamkottai. However, he had died at Tuticorin. The petitioner has made an application before the second respondent as well as before the fourth respondent. Both of them have rejected it on the ground that the petitioner's husband was not a permanent resident of their locality. Therefore, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. A perusal of the records further reveal that the deceased person was a permanent resident of Palayamkottai and therefore, the second respondent will have jurisdiction to entertain the application of the petitioner. In such circumstances, the order passed by the second respondent on 05.01.2026 is hereby set aside and the second respondent is directed to consider the application of the petitioner and after conducting enquiry, pass orders within a period of 6(six) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 2/4

4. With the above said observations, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

16.02.2026 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To

1. The District Collector, Tirunelveli - 627 009.

2. The Tahsildar, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli - 9.

3. The District Collector, Thoothukudi District.

4. The Tahsildar, Vilathikulam, Thoothukudi District.

3/4

R.VIJAYAKUMAR , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.4203 of 2026 16.02.2026 4/4