Shenbagavalli v. The Regional Transport Authority Cum District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 01.04.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Shenbagavalli ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Regional Transport Authority cum District Collector, Office of Collectorate, Virudhunagar.

2. The Regional Transport Officer, Srivilliputhur.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to not grant any new permit to the route no.3 in the 1st respondent Gazette Notification dated 13.03.2026 by considering petitioner representation dated 23.03.2026 and pass such other or further orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice.

For Petitioner :Mr.K.Sivaranjani For R1 and R2 :Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugan Government Advocate

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents to not grant any new permit to the route no.3 in the 1st respondent Gazette Notification dated 13.03.2026 by considering petitioner representation dated 23.03.2026.

2. Heard Mr.K.Sivaranjani, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugan, learned Government Advocate, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

3. Upon hearing the learned counsel on either side and perusing the material records of the case, it can be seen that the writ petitioner had earlier approached this Court in W.P.(MD).No.7176 of 2026 and considering the three limbs of the prayer, the following order was passed and it is essential to quote paragraph no 5 to 10 and the same is extracted hereunder for ready reference:-

"5. I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case.

6. The first limb of the prayer to inspect the route is already undertaken and the Gazette is now published. If the petitioner is aggrieved of the Gazette in the sense that there is any discrepancy or error according to her in the route, it will be open for her to take such steps in the manner known to law as against the Gazette publication.

7. If the petitioner seeks to migrate as per the route notified and for the grant of permit to her, within two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of this order, the petitioner shall make a fresh application along with a copy of this order to permit her to migrate, with reference to any or all of the routes to the first respondent accompanied with such fees as may be prescribed. The same shall be considered in accordance with the law by the first respondent.

8. If the petitioner also objects to grant of permit to any other person except the petitioner, such an objection shall also be filed within two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of web copy of this order along with a copy of this order and the same shall also be considered and speaking orders be passed. As and when the objections as well as the application are filed, the same shall be dealt with as expeditiously as possible and let final orders be passed within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of filing of the application/objections.

9. It is made clear that while deciding the issues, opportunity of personal hearing shall be granted to the petitioner.

10. With the above observations and directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs."

4. Therefore, if the petitioner is aggrieved by any subsequent Gazette Notification, it will be open to the petitioner to challenge the same in the manner known to law. If the petitioner is aggrieved by the grant of a route in favour of any third party, the same can also be challenged in the manner known to law.

5. Yet another contention has been made that the timings are not mentioned in the Gazette Notification. Even then, if this constitutes a ground to challenge the Gazette Notification, the petitioner shall follow the same course as directed in the earlier order.

6. With the above observations, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

01.04.2026 Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm

To

1. The Regional Transport Authority cum District Collector, Office of Collectorate, Virudhunagar.

2. The Regional Transport Officer, Srivilliputhur.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

rgm 01.04.2026