S. Arulanantham v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 09.12.2024

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI S.Arulanantham ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukottai.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to dispose of petitioner appeal dated 24.07.2023. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Gurumoorthy For Respondents : Mr.T.Amjad Khan, Government Advocate

ORDER

By consent of both the parties, this writ petition is taken up for final hearing at the admission stage itself.

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2.This writ petition is filed to direct the 2nd respondent to dispose of the petitioner's appeal dated 24.07.2023.

3.Heard the learned counsels on either sides and carefully perused the materials available on record.

4.It is needless to point out that whenever a representation of this nature is made to a Statutory Authority, there is a duty cast upon the respondent to consider the same on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in one way or other instead of keeping the same pending indefinitely. As such, non-consideration of the representation made to the Statutory Authority would amount to dereliction of duty and hence, this Court will be justified in invoking the extraordinary powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

5. Without going into the merits of this case, this Court hereby direct the 2nd respondent to consider petitioner's appeal dated 24.07.2023 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. 2/4

6. Accordingly, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. 09.12.2024 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes Sml To 1.The District Collector, Pudukottai District, Pudukottai.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Office of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukottai.

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L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

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