K.Ramesh v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 11.03.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN K.Ramesh .. Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Dindigul District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul West Taluk, Dindigul.

3.The Tahsildar, Dindigul West Taluk, Dindigul.

.. Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to dispose of the appeal dated 07.02.2025 of the petitioner against the order of the second respondent in Pro.Na.Ka.No.5926/2024/A1 dated 09.10.2024 within the limited time frame and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law and till then desist from taking coercive action against the petitioner. For Petitioner : Ms.M.Muthu Kavitha For Respondents : Mr.S.Shaji Bino Special Government Pleader

ORDER

The petitioner seeks a Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents to dispose of the appeal presented by him on 07.02.2025, against the order of the second respondent dated 09.10.2024.

2. The petitioner has been served with an order of the Revenue Divisional Officer dated 09.10.2024. In terms of the order, the Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul has initiated action under Rule 36A of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules of 1959. He has imposed a fine of Rs.1,78,64,183/-, to the petitioner for having illegally indulged in mining operations.

3. The petitioner inter alia pleads that the mining operations were not carried out by the petitioner, but by two persons, namely, M/s.DRN Infrastructure Private Limited and one Anbuselvam. The petitioner pleads that he is innocent and is nowhere connected with the illegal removal of the sand.

4. Heard Ms.M.Muthu Kavitha for the petitioner and Mr.S.Shaji Bino, learned Special Government Pleader, who took notice for the respondents.

5. Mr.S.Shaji Bino, on instructions, states that the statutory appeal preferred by the petitioner before the first respondent on 07.02.2025 will be disposed of within a period of four (4) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. The above statement of Mr.S.Shaji Bino is recorded. Being a statutory appeal, there shall be a direction to the first respondent to dispose of the appeal within a period of four (4) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

11.03.2025 NCC :

Yes / No Index :

Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Lm To 1.The District Collector, Dindigul District.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Dindigul West Taluk, Dindigul.

3.The Tahsildar, Dindigul West Taluk, Dindigul.

V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN,J.

Lm 11.03.2025