S. Gnana Paul Johnson v. The District Collector,
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 23.07.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM and THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE A.D.MARIA CLETE and W.M.P(MD)No.10492 of 2020 S.Gnana Paul Johnson ... Petitioner vs.
1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirunelveli.
2.The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli.
3.Deputy Director, Mines and Minerals Department, District Collectorate, Tirunelveli.
4.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.Revenue Divisional Officer, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.
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5.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.
6.A.S.Kumar 7.Jebarajan 8.Mercy Marry ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 to take necessary action against the respondents 6 to 8 and his men to stop illegal stone quarry operation in Adaimithippankulam Village, Tharuvai, Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District and to recover the money for revenue loss to the Government due to illegal mining of respondents 6 to 8 on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 22.07.2019. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Neelamegam For RR 1 & 3 to 5 : Mr.P.Thilak Kumar Government Pleader For R - 2 : Mr.T.Senthil Kumar Additional Public Prosecutor For RR 6 & 8 : Mr.T.Dinesh for M/s.Veera Associates For R - 7 : Died 2/7
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.) The Writ Petition has been instituted to direct the respondents 1 to 5 to take necessary action against the respondents 6 to 8 and his men to stop illegal stone quarry operations in Adaimithippankulam Village, Tharuvai, Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District and to recover the money for revenue loss to the Government due to the illegal mining of the respondents 6 to 8 on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 22.07.2019.
2.The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Tirunelveli, has filed a counter-affidavit, which indicates that action has been initiated to stop the mining operations. The learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 & 3 to 5 has also affirmed that the mining operations have been stopped. In respect of the illegal mining operations, a penalty has been imposed.
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3.However, it is not made clear whether the penalty amount has been recovered or not.
4.May that as it be, the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner raises serious allegations against the officials, who failed to initiate action against the illegal quarrying operations at the relevant point of time. The petitioner has made several allegations regarding corrupt activities. However, the petitioner is directed to file a separate complaint, setting out all the facts and circumstances, enabling the authorities to initiate action in the manner known to law.
5.Asfar as the present Writ Petition is concerned, the quarrying operations have been stopped and regarding illegal quarrying operations a penalty was imposed. If the penalty amount has not yet been recovered, appropriate actions are directed to be taken to recover the amount. 4/7
6.With these directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.
[S.M.S.,J.] & [A.D.M.C.,J.] 23.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes ps 5/7
To 1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirunelveli.
2.The Superintendent of Police, O/o.The Superintendent of Police, Tirunelveli.
3.Deputy Director, Mines and Minerals Department, District Collectorate, Tirunelveli.
4.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.Revenue Divisional Officer, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.
5.The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.
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S.M.SUBRAMANIAM , J.
and DR.A.D.MARIA CLETE , J.
ps ORDER MADE IN DATED : 23.07.2025 7/7