Madras High CourtWP(MD)/16071/2026disposed of

Nila Cold Storage Private Limited v. The District Forest Officer

2026-06-12Honourable Mr Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy5 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 12.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Nila Cold Storage Private Limited, Through its Managing Director, Mr.C.Selwin Prabhu, Having Office At 2/215, 215-B, Pudhurpandiapuram, Tuticorin-628 002 ... Petitioner(s) - Vs. - The District Forest Officer O/o.Thoothukudi District District Officer, District Collectorate Office, Korampalam, Thoothukudi.

... Respondent(s) Prayer : Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent herein to permit the petitioner to cut down the Savuku Trees (Casuarina trees) from the petitioners private property situated in S.No. 763/2 and 772/A1 in Udangudi Village, Thiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District based on the petitioners representation dated 10.03.2026 within the time frame fixed by this Honble Court and pass such further or other orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the

case and thus render justice.

For Petitioner :Mr.V.Shabthakiri Raja For Respondent :Mr.P.Sudarkodi Nachiyar Government Standing Counsel

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for a mandamus directing the respondents herein to permit the petitioner to cut down the Savuku trees(Casuarina trees) from the petitioner's property situated in S.No.763/2 and 772/1A in Udangudi Village, Thiruchendur Taluk, Thoothukudi District based on the petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026.

2.When the matter came up for admission, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the respondent, on instructions, would submit that as far as the present lands are concerned, considering the coastal area, upon getting consent from the petitioner, it is the forest department which planted the trees as per the scheme, as and when the trees mature and ripe for cutting, it will be identified by the Forest Department and they

will cut the trees and proceeds will be shared with the petitioner.

3.As a matter of fact, the process was undertaken and in between the financial year ended and a new DFO has also taken charge. Once again the process will be completed and the petitioner will be intimated about the cutting of the trees and sharing of proceeds.

4.In view thereof, recording the same and directing the respondents to complete the said process as expeditiously as possible in any event, not later than 12 weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order. This writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

12.06.2026

NCC:Yes/No Ns To The District Forest Officer O/o.Thoothukudi District District Officer, District Collectorate Office, Korampalam, Thoothukudi.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

12.06.2026