R.Vinothkumar v. The District Revenue Officer Cum

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 14.08.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.SOUNTHAR R.Vinothkumar ... Petitioner Vs.

The District Revenue Officer cum Land Acquisition Officer, Collectorate Complex, Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar District. ... Respondent Prayer :- Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to refer the matter to the competent Court based on the petitioner's representation dated 20.08.2022 as per the provisions of Section 20 of the Tamil Nadu Highways Act, 2001 in respect of Award No.04/2022 dated 31.05.2022 passed by the respondent, within the time to be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.Saravanan for Mr.A.Sivaji For Respondent : Mr.A.Baskaran Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

The writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the respondent to refer the matter to the competent civil Court by considering his representation dated 20.08.2022 in the light of Section 20 of the Tamilnadu Highways Act.

2. Heard the arguments of Mr.Saravanan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.A.Baskaran, learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent. By consent of both sides, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. It is not in dispute that the property belonged to the petitioner in S.No.231/4B, 234/1 and 234/3 situated in Gopalapuram Village, Aruppukottai Taluk, Virudhunagar District was acquired by the respondent for the purpose of laying by-pass road. The compensation payable to the petitioner was determined by the respondent by his order dated 31.05.2022. The petitioner submitted a representation on 20.08.2022 before the respondent seeking reference to Civil Court for

enhancement of compensation. It is also stated by the petitioner that the copy of the award was not served on him. The said representation has not been considered. Hence, the petitioner has come before this Court.

4. The learned Additional Government Pleader who takes notice for the respondent would submit that the representation submitted by the petitioner will be considered in accordance with law.

5. In view of the same, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, the respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 20.08.2022 in the light of Section 21 of the Tamil State Highways Act and pass final orders on its own merits within a further period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after issuing notice to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no orders as to costs. 14.08.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No PJL

To The District Revenue Officer cum Land Acquisition Officer, Collectorate Complex, Virudhunagar, Virudhunagar District.

S.SOUNTHAR ,J PJL W.P.(MD)No.22308 of 2025 Dated: 14.08.2025