M.Muthupandi v. The Additional Chief Secretary To Government

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 17.06.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY M.Muthupandi ... Petitioner Vs.

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director, Directorate of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.

3. The District Collector, Tenkasi District.

Tenkasi.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sankarankovil Tenkasi District.

5. The Tahsildar, Sivagiri Taluk, Tenkasi District.

... 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 commence the village secretariat office in the newly constructed building and 1/4

ensure its functioning in the newly constructed Village secretariat office at Naranapuram Part - I Village and Panchayat, Sivagiri Taluk, Tenkasi District. For Petitioner : Mr. R.J.Karthick For Respondents : Mr.K.S.Selvaganesan Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 5 to commence the Village Secretariat Office in the newly constructed building and ensure its functioning at Naranapuram Part - I Village and Panchayat, Sivagiri Taluk, Tenkasi District.

2. The learned Counsel appearing for the respondents, on instructions, submitted that the matter comes under the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, and that the building is not a Village Administrative Office or a Village Secretariat Office functioning under the Panchayat Union.

3. Be that as it may, any newly constructed building cannot be kept closed for a long time. Therefore, the respondents are directed to open the said building and put it to use for the purpose for which it was constructed. The building shall 2/4

be opened and made functional, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. With the above said direction, this Writ Petition is allowed. No costs. 17.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes jbr To:

1. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2. The Director, Directorate of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Secretariat, Chennai 600 009.

3. The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Sankarankovil, Tenkasi District.

5. The Tahsildar, Sivagiri Taluk, Tenkasi District.

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S.SRIMATHY , J.

jbr ORDER MADE IN DATED : 17.06.2025 4/4