Vinayagamanikandan L v. The Public Information Officer
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :16.09.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P(MD)No.25163 of 2025 L. Vinayagamanikandan ... Petitioner Vs The Public Information Officer, O/o. the Commissioner of Tenkasi Municipality, Tenkasi Municipality, Tenkasi.
... Respondent PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to furnish the documents, FMB Sketch and details in regard to Tenkasi New Vegetable Market, Tenkasi District based on the petitioner's application dated 27.05.2024 and appeal dated 01.07.2024 submitted under Right to Information Act (RTI) within the time limit that may be stipulated by this Court for the following facts and circumstances of the case.
For Petitioner : Mr. K.Sankar For Respondent : Mr.P.Aathimoolapandian 1/4
O R D E R
The petitioner had submitted an application dated 27.05.2024 under the Right to Information Act, 2005, seeking information and documents. Thereafter, the petitioner filed an appeal dated 01.07.2024 before the Appellate Authority. Responses were provided on 12.07.2024. Being dissatisfied with the same, the present Writ Petition has been filed.
2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the Public Information Officer did not provide the documents requested by the petitioner or even indicate the relevant survey number to enable the petitioner to obtain the same.
3. Mr.P.Aathimoolapandian, learned counsel, accepts notice for the sole respondent. By referring to the appellate order dated 12.07.2024, he points out the third letter thereto pertains to the reply sent to the application dated 27.05.2024. He points out that this reply has not been disclosed by the Writ Petitioner. He also submits that a further appeal is provided under the Right to Information Act, 2005 and that, therefore, 2/4
this Writ Petition is not maintainable.
4. It is unclear as to why the petitioner has not disclosed the reply dated 26.06.2024 from the Public Information Officer. If the petitioner seeks copies of the documents which are provided to the public on payment of fees, it is necessary for the petitioner to pay such fees. Otherwise, the petitioner may obtain online copies. Since a further appeal is provided under the Right to Information Act, 2005, I am not inclined to interfere with and issue a positive direction as prayed for by the petitioner.
5. With these observations, this Writ Petition is disposed of by leaving it open for the petitioner to file further appeal or to pay requisite fees and obtain copies of the documents. No costs. NCS : Yes/No 16.09.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No apd 3/4
SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY.,J.
apd To The Public Information Officer, O/o. the Commissioner of Tenkasi Municipality, Tenkasi Municipality, Tenkasi.
ORDER MADE IN W.P(MD)No.25163 of 2025 16.09.2025 4/4