Ayothiraman v. The Director

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 06.04.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P(MD)No.7420 of 2026 Ayothiraman ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Director, Department of Geology and Mining, SIDCO Corporate Office, Guindy, Chennai.

2. The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Sundar Nagar, 2nd Street, TNHB Colony, Tenkasi District

3. The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

...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 extend the time limit to install the GPS devices with AIS

140 standards and synchronizing it with the MiMaS Portal by considering petitioner representation dated 25.03.2026 and 30.03.2026, consequently direct the 2nd respondent to issue transit passes/permits for petitioner vehicles bearing Reg. No. TN 76 AS 2219 and Reg. No. TN 76 AP 0184 to transport mines minerals and crusher materials till such time and pass such further or other orders as this Honble court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice.

For Petitioner :Mr.K.Navaneetharaja For R1 to R3 :Mr.P.Thambidurai Government Advocate

ORDER

The writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents to extend the time limit to install the GPS devices with AIS 140 standards and synchronizing it with MIMaS Portal by considering petitioner representation dated 25.03.2026 and 30.03.2026 and consequently direct the 2nd respondent to issue transmit passes/permits for petitioner vehicle bearing Reg.No.TN 76 AS 2219 and Reg.No.TN 76 AP 0184 to transport mines and minerals and crusher materials.

2. Heard Mr.K.Navaneetharaja, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.P.Thambidurai, learned Government Advocate, who takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

3. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the material records of the case, it is observed that the last date for installation and integration was fixed as 31.03.2026, in accordance with the undertaking given before the Hon'ble Division Bench of this Court in the case of P.Natesan vs. The Additional Chief Environment Engineer Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board and Ors. (W.P. No. 28880 of 2025). The petitioner's grievance is that there is only one agency empowered to install the devices, and since the installation takes 3 hours per vehicle, it is physically impossible for the agency to complete the task within the given time frame.

4. I have heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the material records of the case.

5. From the prayer and the submissions, it is evident that the petitioner owns only two lorries. As far as the lorries are concerned, it is stated by the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents that even if the petitioner reports tomorrow, the GPS installation will be done by the appropriate agency well within the prescribed time limit, i.e., within two weeks. Therefore, the petitioner's grievance is redressed.

6. At this juncture, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is also the President of the Association and is concerned with the welfare of others. With reference to everybody in collateral or other proceedings, no one can extend the time limit, especially when the undertaking has been recorded in the order of the Hon'ble Division Bench cited supra. Therefore, it is for the Association or individuals to approach the Hon'ble Division Bench cited supra for an extension of time and it is not for this Court to grant such an extension when the undertaking has already been recorded before the Hon'ble Division Bench cited supra.

7. Therefore, let the petitioner as well as the authorities follow the dictum of the Honorable Division Bench strictly by ensuring the integration of the GPS as soon as possible, in accordance with their affidavit.

8. With the aforesaid observations, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

06.04.2026 Index: Yes Speaking Order: Yes rgm

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY , J.

rgm To

1. The Director, Department of Geology and Mining, SIDCO Corporate Office, Guindy, Chennai.

2. The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Sundar Nagar, 2nd Street, TNHB Colony, Tenkasi District

3. The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

and W.M.P(MD)No.7420 of 2026 06.04.2026