Jeyalakhsmi V v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.12.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER 1.V.Jeyalakhsmi 2.V. Anitha 3.V.Arunpandi 4.V.Aarthi ... Petitioners -vs1.The District Collector, Madurai District, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur, Madurai District.
3.The Tahsildar, Madurai East Taluk, ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to dispose of the representation of the petitioners dated 17.03.2023 made to the respondents for the issuance of Joint Patta pertaining to the Grama Natham Land under the petitioners
absolute possession and enjoyment comprised in Survey No.130/3, measuring about 40 cents, situated at Kunnathur - I Bit, Madurai East Taluk, Madurai District, within a time frame as fixed by this Court. For Petitioners : Mr.B.Prahalad Ravi For Respondents : Mr.B.Ramanathan Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to dispose of the petitioners' representation dated 17.03.2023, submitted for issuance of a Joint Patta in respect of the Grama Natham land under their absolute possession and enjoyment, comprised in Survey No.130/3, measuring about 40 cents, situated at Kunnathur-I Bit, Madurai East Taluk, Madurai District, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the parties.
3. According to the petitioners, they are in long-standing and absolute possession and enjoyment of Grama Natham land in Survey No.130/3, measuring about 40 cents, situated at Kunnathur-I Bit, Madurai East Taluk, Madurai District. In order to regularize their possession and obtain proper revenue
recognition, the petitioners submitted a representation dated 17.03.2023 to the respondents seeking issuance of a Joint Patta. Despite the representation being submitted well in advance, the respondents have not taken any action till date, thereby causing undue hardship and prejudice to the petitioners.
4. The respondents are duty-bound to consider such representation and pass appropriate orders within a reasonable time. Their prolonged inaction is arbitrary and contrary to the principles of natural justice. The petitioners therefore pray that this Court be pleased to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider and dispose of the representation dated 17.03.2023 for issuance of a Joint Patta.
5. The learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents submits that the petitioners' representation will be considered on its merits and in accordance with law, keeping in view the orders passed by this Court in W.P.No. 4936 of 2025 etc. batch, dated 26.03.2025 [N.S.Krishnamoorthi vs. The District Collector, Krishnagiri District and others].
6. Recording the above submission, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to consider the petitioners' representation dated 17.03.2023 on its merits and in accordance with law, and pass appropriate orders keeping in view the orders passed by this Court in W.P.No.4936 of 2025 etc. batch dated 26.03.2025 [referred supra], within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The representation shall be considered and disposed of after conducting an enquiry. The third respondent is directed to provide reasonable opportunity during such enquiry to the petitioners and also to other persons, who may be affected by such decision. There shall be no order as to costs.
NCC : Yes / No (K.SURENDER, J.) Index : Yes / No 03.12.2025 smn2 (2/2) To:- 1.The District Collector, Madurai District, 2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Melur, Madurai District.
3.The Tahsildar, Madurai East Taluk,
K.SURENDER , J.
smn2 03.12.2025 (2/2)