Thirumurugan v. The State Of Tamil Nadu
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 25.04.2024
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR.SANJAY V.GANGAPURWALA, CHIEF JUSTICE and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE P.D.AUDIKESAVALU Thirumurugan ... Petitioner -vs1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by the Secretary, Schools and Educational Department, Fort.St.George, Chennai-600 009.
2. The Director, Director of Public Libraries, 737/1, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
3. The Inspector of Librarian, Office of the Inspector of Librarian, Ramanathapuram District.
... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents and pleased to requested Respondents to renovate the library buildings and provide Basic Facilities and maintenance for Uppoor Sathiram Library, Kadalaadi Panchayat Library and other non functioning Libraries in Ramanathapuram District within the time stipulated by this Hon'ble Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.R.Alagumani For R1 to R3 : Mr.P.Thilakkumar, Government Pleader
O R D E R
[Order of the Court was made by The Hon'ble CHIEF JUSTICE] Heard Mr.R.Alagumani, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr.P.Thilakkumar, learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.
2.
Learned Advocate for the petitioner submits that the respondents collect 3% of tax for maintenance of Libraries. However, the basic facilities are not provided at Uppoor Sathiram Library, Kadalaadi Panchayat Library and other non functioning Libraries in Ramanathapuram District. According to the learned counsel, the Library at Uppoor Sathiram was in a dilapidated condition and the same was demolished. However, no new building is constructed.
3.
A status report is filed by the 3rd respondent, wherein, the details are given of the Libraries in Ramanathapuram District. The functioning of the Libraries, the number of books, number of members are all given in the status report.
4.
Learned Government Pleader appearing for the respondents submits that in respect of Library at Thondi Branch, Ramanathapuram District, the work order is already issued and the work for construction of the Library building has commenced and the same would be completed within the time stipulated under the work order.
5.
Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner accepts that after filing of the present writ petition, progress has been made by the respondents in maintaining the Libraries.
6.
In case, after about one year also, if the petitioner finds that a particular Library is not maintained properly, then, he may agitate afresh. 7.
As far as Uppoor Sathiram Library is concerned, it is submitted that the same would come within the realm of the Rural Development Department. The petitioner may file an application to the Rural Development Department which will be considered by the said Department on its own merits.
8.
The Writ Petition stands disposed of accordingly. No costs. [S.V.G., C.J.] [P.D.A., J.] 25.04.2024 Index : Yes / No bala To:
1. The Secretary, State of Tamil Nadu, Schools and Educational Department, Fort.St.George, Chennai-600 009.
2. The Director, Director of Public Libraries, 737/1, Anna Salai, Chennai-600 002.
3. The Inspector of Librarian, Office of the Inspector of Librarian, Ramanathapuram District.
THE HONOURABLE CHIEF JUSTICE and P.D.AUDIKESAVALU , J.
bala 25.04.2024