Pothumponnu. G v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 28.07.2022

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR.MUNISHWAR NATH BHANDARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.ANANTHI and W.M.P.(MD) No.16250 of 2020 G.Pothumponnu .. Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, 2.The Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Office of the District Collector, 3.The Tahsildar, Karambakkudi Taluk Office, Karambakudi Taluk, 4.The Inspector of Police, Malaiyur Police Station, .. Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 herein to prevent the illegal sand quarrying at Agni river bed

situated at M.Therkutheru Village, Karambakkudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District and to ensure the protection of the said water resources by strictly implementing G.O.(Ms). No.135 Industries (MMA.1) Department dated 13.11.2009 and based on the petitioner's representation dated 18.11.2020 within the time stipulated by this Hon'ble Court.

For Petitioner :Mr.G.Sivaraja For Respondents :Mr.P.Thilak Kumar Government Pleader

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) The writ petition has been filed to seek a direction on respondents to prevent the illegal sand quarrying at Agni river bed situated at M.Therkutheru Village.

2. Counter to the writ petition has been filed, to indicate action against all those involved in the illegal quarry. Facts on records shows even seizure of vehicle and registration of criminal cases apart from other action.

3. In view of the above, we find that the respondents have taken action against the illegal quarrying. However, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that they intend to involve token system, which is seriously denied by the respondents.

4. In view of the facts aforesaid, we find that action sought by the petitioner has already been taken by the respondents, however, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents not to allow illegal quarrying of the sand mining in the area in question and monitor the aforesaid properly. No Costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

(M.N.B., CJ.) (S.A.I., J.) 28.07.2022 Index :Yes/No myr-sj To 1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, 2.The Assistant Director of Mines and Geology, Office of the District Collector,

M.N.BHANDARI, CJ.

and S.ANANTHI, J.

myr/sj 3.The Tahsildar, Karambakkudi Taluk Office, Karambakudi Taluk, 4.The Inspector of Police, Malaiyur Police Station, 28.07.2022