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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/17159/2026disposed of

K. Baskaran v. The District Collector

2026-06-23Honourable Mr Justice D.Bharatha Chakravarthy6 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT Dated: 23.06.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY K.Baskaran ... Petitioner(s) - Vs. - 1.The District Collector Collectorate Complex, Ramanathapuram District, Ramanathapuram.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

3.The Tahsildar, O/o. the Tahsildar, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

4. The Village Administrative Officer, Nilalagiyamangalam Village, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

... 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 3rd respondent to issue death certificate for petitioners wife namely Pushpavalli

died on 15.04.2026 at Nilamalangiyamangalam by considering the petitioner representation dated 04.05.2026 within the time stipulated by this Honble Court and pass such other or further orders as this Honble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of this case and thus render justice. For Petitioner :M/s.A.Aruljenifer For R1 to R4 :Mr.R.Parthiban Government Standing Counsel

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for a mandamus to record the death of the petitioner's wife namely Pushpavalli, who died on 15.04.2026 at Nilamalangiyamangalam, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 04.05.2026.

2.When the matter came up for hearing, the learned Government Standing Council would submit that the petitioner and his wife though are permanent residents of Nilamalangiyamangalam, on the date of death where temporary residence at Perundurai in Erode District and upon enquiry, the Village Administrative Officer comes to know that the petitioner's wife died at the said temporary abode at Perundurai and it is only the body that was brought to Nilamalangiyamangalam and final rites was performed.

3.In reply thereof, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that it is true that the petitioner and his wife were having their temporary abode at Perundurai, but however when the petitioner's wife became critically ill and when it was decided that she will not leave anymore, she was brought in an ambulance alive with the life support and only after bringing her to the house, the life support was removed where she breathed her last. Therefore, it is wrong to state that the petitioner's wife died at Perundurai and not Nilamalangiyamangalam. Even if the petitioner approaches Perundurai authorities, they said that she was taken from Perundurai alive.

4.I have considered their rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case.

5.Now, the question is to determine the place of death. The petitioner pleads that he brought her wife in an ambulance are not in a van. He further submits that from the records of the ambulance, it would be clear that the life support was given and she only was alive until she was transported to Nilamalangiyamangalam.

6.In view thereof, this writ petition is disposed of on the following terms:

(i)Within one week from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, the petitioner shall make a representation to the Village Administrative Officer by duly enclosing the receipt for payment to the ambulance.

(ii)Upon such representation being filed, the Village Administrative Officer shall make an enquiry and satisfy himself and make a death report to the appropriate authorities and thereafter, the death can be registered and death certificate can be issued to the petitioner. If still the Village administrative Officer concludes that the person died only in Perundurai and an order in writing shall be communicated to the petitioner. (iii)The aforesaid excise shall be completed within a period of three weeks from the date of receipt brother web copy of the order. (iv)No costs.

23.06.2026 NCC:Yes/No Ns

To 1.The District Collector Collectorate Complex, Ramanathapuram District, Ramanathapuram.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, O/o.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Ramanathapuram, Ramanathapuram District.

3.The Tahsildar, O/o. the Tahsildar, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

4. The Village Administrative Officer, Nilalagiyamangalam Village, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

Ns 23.06.2026