Rev.Fr.Johnsonraj v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 29.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN Rev.Fr.Johnsonraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Ramavarmapuram, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District-629 001.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Kanyakumari District, No.29, Meenakshipuram, Vadiveeswaram, Nagercoil-629 001.

3.The Village Administrative Officer, Anjugramam Village, Agasteeswaram Taluk, Kanyakumari District-629 401.

4.The Executive Officer, Anjugramam Town Panchayat, 7/1 Anjugramam, Anjugramam Post, Kanyakumari District-629 401. ... Respondents 1/5

Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the Respondents herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 01.09.2025 and to grant necessary No Objection and permission for the construction of a Catholic Grotto within the Patta land bearing Survey No.630/3C, Anjugramam Village, Agasteeswaram Taluk, Kanyakumari District.

For Petitioner : Mr.G.Anto Prince For Respondents : Mr.S.Kameswaran Government Advocate for R1 & R3 : Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate for R4 : Mr.A.Albert James Government Advocate (Crl.) for R2

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2. The petitioner has submitted an application to the first respondent seeking permission for constructing the petition mentioned grotto. The statutory provision makes it clear that without prior approval from the District Collector, such a structure cannot be put up. These are matters in which the Court cannot issue any positive direction. The matter lies in the discretionary realm of the District Collector. Now the application has been submitted. 2/5

3. It is for the first respondent / District Collector to take a call in the matter. The District Collector will take into account all the relevant aspects and pass a speaking order. The District Collector will have to necessarily take into account the objections raised in respect of the petition mentioned application. The first respondent shall pass an appropriate order on merits and in accordance with law within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. I have not gone into the merits of the matter.

4. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 29.10.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No rmi To 1.The District Collector, Collectorate, Ramavarmapuram, Nagercoil, Kanyakumari District-629 001.

2.The Superintendent of Police, Kanyakumari District, No.29, Meenakshipuram, Vadiveeswaram, Nagercoil-629 001.

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3.The Village Administrative Officer, Anjugramam Village, Agasteeswaram Taluk, Kanyakumari District-629 401.

4.The Executive Officer, Anjugramam Town Panchayat, 7/1 Anjugramam, Anjugramam Post, Kanyakumari District-629 401.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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