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Madras High CourtWP(MD)/15461/2018allowed

Mrs.Shilo Thomas, v. The Distric Forest Officer,

2025-09-18Honourable Ms. Justice P.T. Asha4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE P.T.ASHA and W.M.P(MD)Nos.13928, 13929, 15067 of 2018 and 14708 of 2024 Shilo Thomas .. Petitioner Vs.

The District Forest Officer, Dindigul Division, Dindigul.

.. Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order in Na.Ka.No.4924 / 2014 / Va1 dated 15/02/2018 on the file of the Respondent and quash the same as illegal.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Mahaboob Fazil for Mr.T.Lajapathi Roy For Respondent : Mr.A.Kannan Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This writ petition is filed for the following relief : "to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order in Na.Ka.No.4924 / 2014 / Va1 dated 15/02/2018 on the file of the Respondent and quash the same as illegal."

2. It is apparent that the impugned order, dated 15.02.2018 bearing Na.Ka.No.4924 / 2014 / Va1 has been passed without any prior notice to the petitioner. Just prior to the issuance of the impugned order wherein annual rent of Rs.8,71,260/- has been demanded, the annual rent that was received for the year 2015-16 is only a sum of Rs.3,570/-.

3. Since the impugned order has been passed without putting the petitioner on notice, the same is set aside. The said order shall be treated as a show cause notice. The petitioner shall submit their explanation / objection to the same within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order. The respondent shall also provide him the

details as to the basis of which a sum of Rs.8,71,260/- has been arrived at as annual rent. The working sheet shall be provided to the petitioner. Thereafter, the orders shall be passed, after giving an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner, within a period of four (4) weeks therefrom.

4. With the above directions, this Writ petition stands allowed. No costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed. 18.09.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes gbg To The District Forest Officer, Dindigul Division, Dindigul.

P.T.ASHA, J.

gbg 18.09.2025