S.Radha v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.02.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN S.Radha ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.

2.The Assistant Director of Panchayat, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District.

3.The Block Development Officer, Viralimalai Panchayat Union, Viralimalai, Pudukottai District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st respondent to dispose the representation of the petitioner dated 22.01.2024 and thereby issue an order providing the cheque signing power to the petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.T.S.Mohamed Mohideen For Respondents : Mr.M.Lingadurai, Spl. Government Pleader for R1 & R2.

Mr.C.Baskaran, Government Advocate for R3.

1/4

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner is the president of Velur village panchayat. Her cheque signing power was taken away. Questioning the said order dated 10.12.2021, the petitioner had filed a writ petition before this Court. But then, for reasons that are not quite clear, it was dismissed as withdrawn. The petitioner now wants the first respondent to revisit the said issue. The petitioner has already given a representation in this regard. Since it was not considered, the present writ petition came to be filed.

3.When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Special Government Pleader made it clear that the question of revisiting the issue does not arise. Because only after complying with all the statutory procedures, the said order was passed.

4.Considering the special facts and circumstances of the case, I permit the petitioner to move the Government (The Secretary to Government, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, 2/4

Chennai). If such an appeal is filed within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, it shall be entertained without reference to limitation. The Secretary to Government is directed to pass final order on merits and in accordance with law within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of appeal / revision from the petitioner herein. I make it clear that I have not gone into the merits of the matter. 5.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 28.02.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias Issue order copy on 01.03.2024.

Note : The Registry to mark a copy of this order to the Secretary to Government, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai. To:

1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.

2.The Assistant Director of Panchayat, Pudukottai, Pudukottai District.

3.The Block Development Officer, Viralimalai Panchayat Union, Viralimalai, Pudukottai District.

3/4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 28.02.2024 4/4