Sevanthilingam Sm v. The Tamil Nadu Information Commissioner

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.04.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.B.BALAJI S.M.Sevanthilingam ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Tamil Nadu Information Commissioner, The Second Appellate Authority (RTI Act, 2005), Block No.19, Government Farm Village Panepet, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035.

2.The Appellate Authority/The Tahsildar, Manachanallur, Trichy District.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent herein to dispose of the appeal, dated 01.02.2025 within a stipulated period of time to be fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Thirunavukkarasu For R-1 : Mr.Raguvaran Gopalan Standing Counsel For R-2 : Mr.C.Satheesh Government Advocate 1/5

O R D E R

Heard the learned counsel for the parties.

2. The grievance of the petitioner is that though the Act stipulates total period of 45 days to dispose of the petitioner's appeal pending before the 1st respondent, the appeal being filed on 01.02.2025, till date, the same has not been disposed of, despite reminder sent by the petitioner.

3. However, the learned Standing Counsel for the 1st respondent would submit that on 23.04.2025, check slip has been issued, calling upon the petitioner to rectify certain defects in the appeal.

4. However, the same is refuted by the learned counsel for the petitioner stating that till date, the petitioner has not been put on notice about any check slip. He world however submits that the petitioner is willing to rectify any defects to enable the 1st respondent to hear the appeal and pass final orders on merits.

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5. In the light of the above, this writ petition is disposed of, directing the petitioner to approach the 1st respondent and take suitable steps to rectify errors, if any, within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order in order to enable the 1st respondent to take up the appeal. Thereafter, the 1st respondent shall conduct due enquiry and dispose of the petitioner's appeal, after also giving a fair opportunity to the petitioner by way of personal hearing, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of petitioner rectifying all defects.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.

28.04.2025 NCC:yes/no Index:yes/no Internet:yes/no gbg Note : Issue order copy on 30.04.2025.

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To:

1.The Tamil Nadu Information Commissioner, The Second Appellate Authority (RTI Act, 2005), Block No.19, Government Farm Village Panepet, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035.

2.The Appellate Authority/The Tahsildar, Manachanallur, Trichy District.

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P.B.BALAJI , J.

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