Manimaran v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 08.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Manimaran ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate Building, 2.The District Revenue Officer, Office of the Collectorate Building, 3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Division, Kulithalai, Karur District.

4.The Tahsildar, Office of the Tahsildar, Kadavur (Present), Tharagampatti, 5.The Block Development Officer, Office of the Panchayat Union, Kadavur, 1/6

6.The Revenue Inspector, Mylampatti Firka, Kadavur Taluk, 7.The President, Keelapaguthi Village Panchayat, Kadavur Taluk, ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent No.1 to grant permission to eradicate prosopis Juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) Trees in Survey No.354/1 at Keelapaguthi village, Kadavur Taluk, Karur District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 13.07.2025.

For Petitioner : Mr.D.S.Haroon Rasheed For Respondents : Mr.B.Ramanathan, Addl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R4 7 R6.

Mr.S.Kameshwaran, Government Advocate for R5 & R7.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner seeks a direction from this Court to enable to him to cut and remove the prosopis juliflora trees that have grown in the 2/6

petition mentioned survey number. The petitioner claims to have paid a sum of Rs.4,000/- to the President of the local body. Admittedly, the land in question belongs to the panchayat. Therefore, the trees that have grown thereon can be permitted to be removed only by a person who is the highest bidder. I direct the fifth respondent to cause suitable publicity and hold an auction in this regard. The auction will be held on 06.10.2025 in the office of the fifth respondent. The license to cut and remove the prosopis julifora trees will be issued to the highest bidder. The seventh respondent is directed to refund the amount collected from the petitioner forthwith and without any delay. 3.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 08.09.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias 3/6

To:- 1.The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate Building, 2.The District Revenue Officer, Office of the Collectorate Building, 3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Division, Kulithalai, Karur District.

4.The Tahsildar, Office of the Tahsildar, Kadavur (Present), Tharagampatti, 5.The Block Development Officer, Office of the Panchayat Union, Kadavur, 6.The Revenue Inspector, Mylampatti Firka, Kadavur Taluk, 7.The President, Keelapaguthi Village Panchayat, Kadavur Taluk, 4/6

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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