S.Sivakumar v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 06.04.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY S.Sivakumar ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Madurai District Madurai.

2. The Tahsildar, Office of the Tahsildar, Madurai South Taluk, Madurai.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Office of the Village Administrative Officer, Panaiyur Panchayat, Panaiyur, Madurai district.

4. M.Muthu (R4 is suo motu impleaded by order of this Court dated 06.04.2026 in W.P(MD).No.9075 of 2026 by D.B.C.,J)

5. Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur.

(R5 is suo motu impleaded by order of this Court dated 06.04.2026 in W.P(MD).No.9075 of 2026 by D.B.C.,J)

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent No.1 to conduct enquiry and to initiate necessary action by considering the petitioners representation dated 23.02.2026 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this honorable court and pass such further or other orders as this honorable court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case.

For Petitioner :Mr.S.Malaikani For R1 to R3 & R5 :Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader For R4 :Mr.V.Santhakumaresan

ORDER

The present writ petition has been filed for the following relief: "Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondent No.1 to conduct enquiry and to initiate necessary action by considering the petitioners representation dated 23.02.2026 in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this honorable court and pass such further or other orders as this honorable court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case."

2. Heard Mr.S.Malaikani, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, Mr.M.Lingadurai, learned Special Government Pleader, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3 and 5 and Mr.V.Santhakumaresan, learned counsel, who takes notice on behalf of 4th respondent.

3. Upon hearing the learned counsel appearing on either side and perusing the material records of the case, it can be seen that the confusion has arisen on account of two villages, namely Panaiyur Village and Melaneunkulam Village. By taking advantage of the patta having been transferred in respect of certain survey numbers in one village by furnishing erroneous information, changes in the data relating to the petitioner's property appear to have been effected.

4. Even with reference to the said claim, since the order has been passed by the 2nd respondent, namely the Tahsildar, the appeal lies before the Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur. It is needless to mention that this Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations made on behalf of the petitioner or the newly impleaded 4th respondent.

It is for the 5th respondent to hear both sides in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders.

5. In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:- i. Within three weeks from the date of receipt of a web copy of the order without waiting for certified copy of the order, the petitioner is directed to file an appeal before the 5th respondent as against the impugned exercise of change of Patta.

ii. As and when the same is filed, the same shall be treated as in time and due notice shall be issued to the petitioner, 4th respondent or any other interested party and an enquiry shall be conducted in the manner known to law and the same shall be disposed of in accordance with the law as expeditiously as possible. iii. No costs.

06.04.2026 (2/2) Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm

To

1. The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Madurai District Madurai.

2. The Tahsildar, Office of the Tahsildar, Madurai South Taluk, Madurai.

3. The Village Administrative Officer, Office of the Village Administrative Officer, Panaiyur Panchayat, Panaiyur, Madurai District.

4. Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur.

(R5 is suo motu impleaded by order of this Court dated 06.04.2026 in W.P(MD).No.9075 of 2026 by D.B.C.,J)

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

rgm 06.04.2026 (2/2)