R.Panchavarnam v. The Land Acquisition Officer Cum Additional Personal Assistant (Land)

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 18.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY

1. R.Panchavarnam

2. R.Natarajan

3. R.Balachandran ...

Petitioners Vs.

1. The Land Acquisition Officer cum Additional Personal Assistant (Land) to the District Collector, Ramanathapuram Collectorate, Ramanathapuram District.

2. The Special Tahsildar, Uppur Thermal Power Plant 1, Ramanathapuram District.

...

Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, direct the respondents to furnish the copy of the award passed in respect of the land in Survey No.111, 114, 125, 138, 143/1B, 143/4, 122/3, 131/2A, 131/2B, 138/8, 129/2, 143/2, 122/2 situated in Naganendal 1/5

Village, Uppur Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk (Presently R.S. Mangalam Taluk), Ramanathapuram District acquired under G.O.No.2 dated 21.01.2014 passed by the Energy Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu for establishment of Uppoor Powerplant, and also to refer the matter to competent authority in accordance with Section 8 of Tamil Nadu Land Acquisition for Industrial Purposes Act 1997 based on petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026. within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioners : Mr.S.Sankarapandian For Respondents : Mr.SRA.Ramachandaran Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

This petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents to furnish the copy of the award passed in respect of the land in Survey No.111, 114, 125, 138, 143/1B, 143/4, 122/3, 131/2A, 131/2B, 138/8, 129/2, 143/2, 122/2 situated in Naganendal Village, Uppur Post, Thiruvadanai Taluk (Presently R.S. Mangalam Taluk), Ramanathapuram District acquired under G.O.No.2 dated 21.01.2014 passed by the Energy Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu for establishment of Uppoor Powerplant, and also to refer the matter to 2/5

competent authority in accordance with Section 8 of Tamil Nadu Land Acquisition for Industrial Purposes Act 1997 based on petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026. within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the copy of the award had not been served on the petitioners; therefore, the respondents ought to be directed to furnish the same within a period of one month. With regard to the issue of referring the matter to the competent authority, appropriate directions may be issued.

3. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submitted that the Act prescribes a limitation period for referring the matter to the competent authority.

4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026 regarding the reference of the award to the competent court and to pass 3/5

appropriate orders within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is allowed. No costs. 18.03.2026 (1/2) Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes NCC : Yes / No msrm To

1. The Land Acquisition Officer cum Additional Personal Assistant (Land) to the District Collector, Ramanathapuram Collectorate, Ramanathapuram District.

2. The Special Tahsildar, Uppur Thermal Power Plant 1, Ramanathapuram District.

3. The Additional Government Pleader, Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, Madurai 4/5

S.SRIMATHY, J msrm Order made in W.P.(MD)No. 7376 of 2026 18.03.2026 (1/2) 5/5