Manjula.V v. The Secretary
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 07.11.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.19660 & 19661 of 2022 V.Manjula ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-600009.
2.The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, 76, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai-600032.
3.The District Collector, Collectorate, Thigai Subramania Siva Malihai, Velu Nachiyar Valaham, Chettinaickenpatti, Dindigul-624004.
4.The Superintendent of Police, 5.The District Forest Officer, Dindigul Division, Velunachiar Complex, 1/6
Dindigul-624 004.
6.The District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Collectorate Complex, Dindigul-624 004.
7.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Spencer Compound, Thiruvalluvar Salai, Dindigul-624 001.
8.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, 9.M/s DRN Infrastructure Pvt.Ltd., 110, 3rd Floor, Dollars Colony, Gokul Road, Hubballi, Karnataka-580030.
... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to measure all the mining pits in and around petitioner's patta land comprised in Survey Number 177, 210 and 216 and quarry license granted area in Survey Number 212 and 213 of Thethupatti Village, Dindigul (west) Taluk, Dindigul District and to refill the illegal mining pits based on the petitioner`s complaint dated 29.08.2022 and direct the 1st and 3rd respondent to take legal action against the officials involved in the mining scam. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Vijayakumar for Mr.M.Saravanakumar For Respondents : Mr.M.Gangatharan Government Advocate 2/6
for R1, R3, R5 & R7 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate for R4 & R8 : Mr.Madhun Donti Reddy for R2 & R6 : Mr.D.Selvanayagam for R9
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2. The petitioner has given a complaint on 20.08.2022 alleging that illicit quarry had taken place in S.Nos.177, 210 and 216. According to the petitioner, the needle of suspicion points towards the 9th respondent. Seeking action against the persons involved including the officials, this writ petition has been filed in September 2022. The 9th respondent had taken contract to carry out some highways work. He was also permitted to quarry mineral in Survey Nos. 212 and 213 in Tettupatti Village.
3. The learned counsel for the 9th respondent points out that the 9th respondent's lease expired in November 2021. Thereafter, the 9th respondent had not carried out any quarrying activities in the locality. 3/6
4. The writ petitioner purchased the petition mentioned land only in June 2022. Obviously, when the writ petitioner purchased the land, she must have noticed the pits that had been created on account of illicit mining. This writ petition was filed in September 2022 and is being taken up only in November 2025. It is futile to order any enquiry at this point of time. In any event, the authorities cannot be called upon to refill the illegal mining pits. It is a case of caveat emptor. The petitioner purchased the land. She must have noticed the pits. Having purchased the lands with open eyes, she cannot now demand the Government to refill the illegal mining pits. I do not find any ground to interfere. The writ petition stands dismissed. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. 07.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi To 1.The Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai-600009.
2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Thigai Subramania Siva Malihai, Velu Nachiyar Valaham, Chettinaickenpatti, Dindigul-624004.
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3.The Superintendent of Police, 4.The District Forest Officer, Dindigul Division, Velunachiar Complex, Dindigul-624 004.
5.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Spencer Compound, Thiruvalluvar Salai, Dindigul-624 001.
6.The Deputy Superintendent of Police, 5/6
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
rmi 07.11.2025 6/6