Mary Pucina Gnanamalar P v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 04.11.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN P.Mary Pucina Gnanamalar ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, District Collector Office, Madurai.

2.The District Social Welfare Officer, Madurai District, Madurai.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to remove the lock and seal of the building situated at S.Nos.106/9, 106/15, 106/14 at Samayanallur, Madurai District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 29.02.2020 which was forwarded to the 2nd respondent by proceedings dated 17.03.2020 in Na.Ka.No. E2/325/2020 of the 1st respondent within a time stipulated by this Court.

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For Petitioner : Mr.J.Anandkumar For Respondents : Mr.S.Kameswaran, Government Advocate.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The writ petitioner's husband owned the petition mentioned property. Children home licensed under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 was being run. Some allegations were made with regard to running of the home. Some girl children were said to have been sexually molested. In this regard, criminal case was registered. The petition mentioned building was also locked and sealed. To de-seal the premises, this writ petition has been filed. 3.It is admitted on either side that the license given under Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 has since been cancelled. The petitioner's husband has also passed away. The property now devolved on the writ petitioner.

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4.A building cannot be kept under lock and seal indefinitely. It is not as if the petitioner is going to run any illegal establishment in the said institution. The petitioner undertakes before this Court that she will utilize the building only for lawful purposes. 5.In this view of the matter, continued keeping of the building under lock and seal may not serve any purpose. I, therefore, direct the respondents to de-seal the premises immediately. The writ petition is allowed. No costs.

04.11.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:

1.The District Collector, District Collector Office, Madurai.

2.The District Social Welfare Officer, Madurai District, Madurai.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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