Suresh C v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 25.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN and W.M.P(MD)No.12952 of 2025 C.Suresh ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District.

2.The Block Development Officer, Narikudi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

...Respondents

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the second respondent in the proceedings in Na.Ka.No. A6/1382/2023 dated 11.06.2025 and quash the same, as the same is arbitrary, ultravires and consequentially direct the first respondent to pass appropriate order to cut down the karuvelai trees in S.No.72 of T.Veppankula Village, Poombidagai Panchayath, Virudhunagar District.

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For Petitioner : Mr.K.Neethimohan For R1 : Mr.D.Ghandiraj Special Government Pleader For R2 : Mr.A.Oli Raja Government Advocate

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the second respondent, dated 11.06.2025 who has unilaterally cancelled the work order issued to the petitioner on 17.05.2025 and consequently directing the first respondent to pass appropriate orders to cut down the karuvelam trees in S.No.72 of T.Veppankulam Village, Poombidagai Panchayath, Virudhunagar District.

2. It appears that the impugned order was passed by the second respondent on 17.05.2025, cancelling the work order on the ground that objections had been received from the Public and that the work to be carried out by the petitioner may lead to a law and order situation. Therefore, the impugned order has been communicated to the petitioner and others.

3. The unilateral cancellation of the work order based on such threat is inconceivable and untenable, if work order was issued to the petitioner on 2/4

17.05.2025 in accordance with the prevailing Rules and norms for cutting of Karuvelam Trees. Since the second respondent has expressed apprehension of law and order situation, the second respondent is directed to reconsider the decision after hearing the petitioner and so called the complainants, who have raised objections. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

4. The writ petition stands disposed of with the above direction. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

25.06.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No sn To 1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District.

2.The Block Development Officer, Narikudi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

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C.SARAVANAN, J.

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