R.Murugesan v. The Land Planning Officer

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 19.02.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER R.Murugesan ... Petitioner -vs1.The Land Planning Officer, O/o.the Land Planning Officer, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

2.The Deputy Planning Officer, O/o.the Deputy Land Planning Officer, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

3.The Chief Secretary, Land Direct Commissioner Office, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

4.The District Collector, O/o.the District Collector, 5.The District Revenue Officer, O/o.the District Revenue Officer, 6.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.the Revenue Divisional Officer,

7.The Tahsildar, O/o.the Tahsildar, ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to take appropriate action on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 08.01.2026, within a stipulated time fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Senthil Kumar For Respondents : Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to take appropriate action on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 08.01.2026, within a stipulated time to be fixed by this Court.

2. By consent, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner and his family members have been in peaceful possession and enjoyment of the subject property for several decades. The petitioner's father had earlier approached the revenue authorities seeking issuance of Patta in respect of the subject property. The petitioner has also submitted several representations, including the representation dated 08.01.2026 to the competent authorities, requesting that the subject property be assigned to him either at the price fixed by the Government or on a long-term lease basis. However, despite the lapse of considerable time, no action has been taken on the petitioner's request. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents would submit that the petitioner's representation will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed on merits and in accordance with law, in terms of the existing provisions governing the lease of Government land, within such time as may be fixed by this Court.

5. 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 fifth respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 08.01.2026, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, in terms of the existing provisions governing the lease of Government land, after providing reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, and any other persons, who may be affected by such decision, within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. NCC : Yes / No (K.SURENDER, J.) Index : Yes / No 19.02.2026 smn2 To:- 1.The Land Planning Officer, O/o.the Land Planning Officer, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

2.The Deputy Planning Officer, O/o.the Deputy Land Planning Officer, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

3.The Chief Secretary, Land Direct Commissioner Office, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

4.The District Collector,

O/o.the District Collector, 5.The District Revenue Officer, O/o.the District Revenue Officer, 6.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.the Revenue Divisional Officer, 7.The Tahsildar, O/o.the Tahsildar,

K.SURENDER , J.

smn2 19.02.2026