Eswara Trust v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 26.03.2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Eswara Trust, Rep by its Managing Trustee Alwar @ Nammalvar, S/o.Eswaran, 1/56, Middle Street, Muthoor Village, Palaiyankottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District.

... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, Thiruvanmaiyur, Chennai - 600 041.

3.The Joint Director, Animal Welfare Board, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the second respondent to grant extension of time for a further period of six months for complying Page No. 1 of 6

the conditions imposed in the Show Cause Notice issued by the second respondent dated 30.12.2025, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 12.03.2026 within a time limit stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.B.Anandan For Respondents : Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed with a prayer to grant an extension of a further period of six months for complying with the condition imposed in the Show Cause Notice dated 03.12.2025, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 12.03.2026.

2. Upon hearing the learned counsel on either side, it is seen that upon receipt of the complaint, the dog shelter run by the petitioner was inspected on 08.11.2025 and several deficiencies were noted. Accordingly, an initial notice was issued on 13.11.2025, calling upon the petitioner to rectify the defects mentioned therein.

3. Thereafter, another notice was issued on 03.12.2025, calling upon the petitioner to show cause as to why the shelter should not be Page No. 2 of 6

ordered to cease operations. Subsequently, a further notice was issued on 30.12.2025, pointing out the conditions to be complied with by the petitioner and directing the petitioner to accord highest priority and ensure that all corrective actions are fully implemented within the stipulated period. By the said order, a period of three months, as prayed for by the petitioner, has been granted by the authorities.

4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is in the process of complying with the requirements. However, on account of financial difficulties, he would not be in a position to complete the same on or before 31.03.2026, as granted by the respondent authorities and therefore, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

5. I have also heard the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the respondent Board.

6. When the petitioner had earlier submitted a reply to the Show Cause Notice dated 03.12.2025 and upon considering the same, the authorities have granted three months' time for compliance, even if the petitioner requires further time, the petitioner has to approach the very Page No. 3 of 6

same authority. This Court cannot extend the time when such time has already been granted by the authority up to 31.03.2026.

7. Therefore, if the petitioner foresees that the petitioner will not be able to complete all the works within the stipulated time, the petitioner is at liberty to make a representation to the second respondent within a period of one week from the date of receipt of a web copy of this order, by enclosing necessary evidence of the works already completed and by providing justification for seeking extension of time.

8. Upon receipt of such representation, it is for the second respondent to consider the same in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders within a period of four weeks therefrom.

9. This Writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 26.03.2026 JEN Page No. 4 of 6

To 1.The District Collector, Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2.The Chief Executive Officer, Tamil Nadu Animal Welfare Board, Thiruvanmaiyur, Chennai - 600 041.

3.The Joint Director, Animal Welfare Board, Tirunelveli District.

Page No. 5 of 6

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

JEN 26.03.2026 Page No. 6 of 6