T. Shanmugam v. The Govt. Of Tamil Nadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM and THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY and W.M.P(MD)No.22226 of 2019 T.Shanmugam ... Petitioner vs.

1.The Government of Tamil Nadu, Represented by its Principal Secretary, Public Works Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Water Resources), River Safety Division, Chepauk, Chennai - 5.

3.The Director, Geology and Mining Department, Guindy, Chennai.

4.The Chairman, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, 3rd Floor, Panagal Maaligai, Jeenes Road, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

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5.The Project Director, Sand Quarrying Operations, 6.The District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy.

7.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

8.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Trichy.

9.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Thanjavur.

10.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (RC), 11.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (RC), Thanjavur.

... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the respondents from running sand quarry across Kollidam river in Trichy and Thanjaur Districts. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Gokul For Respondents : Mr.P.Thilak Kumar Government Pleader 2/6

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.) Today, when the matter is taken up for hearing, the learned Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents 1 to 11 submitted that quarrying operations of river sand have already been stopped. 2.In the event of any illegal river sand mining is identified, the petitioner is at liberty to submit a complaint. Upon receipt of such a complaint, the concerned authorities are bound to initiate all appropriate actions and prosecute the offenders in accordance with law. 3.With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed.

[S.M.S.,J.] & [S.S.Y.,J.] 03.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes ps 3/6

To 1.The Principal Secretary, Represented by the Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Works Department, Fort St. George, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department (Water Resources), River Safety Division, Chepauk, Chennai - 5.

3.The Director, Geology and Mining Department, Guindy, Chennai.

4.The Chairman, State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, 3rd Floor, Panagal Maaligai, Jeenes Road, Saidapet, Chennai - 600 015.

5.The Project Director, Sand Quarrying Operations, 6.The District Collector, Trichy District, Trichy.

7.The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

8.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Trichy.

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9.The Assistant Director, Geology and Mining, Thanjavur.

10.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (RC), 11.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (RC), Thanjavur.

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S.M.SUBRAMANIAM , J.

and S.SRIMATHY , J.

ps ORDER MADE IN DATED : 03.07.2025 6/6