S. Natarajan v. The Public Information Officer Cum Section Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 23.10.2024

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.VIJAYAKUMAR W.P(MD)No.25214 of 2024 S.Natarajan, Deputy Agricultural Officer (Retired), No.65, East Street, Makkal Library, Thirupparaithurai - 639 115, Trichy District.

... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Public Information Officer cum Section Officer, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

2. The Public Information Officer, Agriculture Department, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9..

3. The Director, Agriculture Department, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the third 1/4

respondent herein to furnish the details sought for in petitioner's application dated 31.05.2021 within the stipulated period as may be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Sundar For Respondents : Mr.S.Shaji Bino Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

The present Writ Petition has been filed by a retired Deputy Agricultural Officer, seeking a Mandamus, as against the third respondent herein to furnish the details sought for by the petitioner in his application dated 31.05.2021.

2. A perusal of the application reveals that the said application has been filed under Section 76 of the Indian Evidence Act, and the further communication given by the authorities that the application has been treated under the Right to Information Act.

3. It is the grievance of the writ petitioner that for the past three years the authorities are not furnishing the information. In case, if the petitioner is aggrieved over non furnishing of the documents sought for under the Right to 2/4

Information Act, it is for the petitioner to approach the concerned authorities or file an appeal under the Right to Information Act. The petitioner is having an effective alternative remedy.

4. In view of the above said facts, this Writ Petition stands closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

23.10.2024 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No ebsi To

1. The Public Information Officer cum Section Officer, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

2. The Public Information Officer, Agriculture Department, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

3. The Director, Agriculture Department, Secretariat, St.George Fort, Chennai - 9.

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R.VIJAYAKUMAR,J.

ebsi W.P(MD)No.25214 of 2024 23.10.2024 4/4