A.Vijayakumar v. The District Forest Officer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 25.10.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P(MD)No.25369 of 2025 A.Vijayakumar ... Petitioner Vs.

The District Forest Officer, District Forest Office, Trichy Division, Kajamalai, Trichy - 620 023.

... Respondent Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the impugned Tender Call E-auction Notification Letter in Na.Ka.No.4365/2024/L dated 08.10.2025 issued by the Respondent, quash the same as illegal and consequently directing the Respondent not to proceed with the e-auction scheduled on 29.10.2025 in respect of Serial No.3 (1988, Uppukulam Lake, Chettiyapatti 1/5

Panchayat, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy District) of the impugned notification until disposal of pending Wirt Appeal in W.A.(MD)No.2058 of 2024.

For Petitioner : M/s.P.Kalayarasi Bharathi For Respondent : Mr.S.Shanmugavel Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner was awarded a license to cut and remove the Karuvelam trees in the petition mentioned land. The case of the petitioner is that, on account of imposition of lock down, he could not enjoy the benefits of the license. He sought extension of time. But his request was negatived. Challenging the same, the petitioner filed W.P(MD)No.5864 of 2021. The writ petition was allowed vide order dated 28.11.2023. However, the scope of the writ petition was confined only regarding refund of the security deposit. The prayer of the writ petitioner was for extension. Therefore, dissatisfied with the order of the learned single Judge, W.A(MD)No.2058 of 2024 was filed. The writ 2/5

appeal is still pending. In the meanwhile, the properties have been brought to fresh auction. Challenging the same, this writ petition has been filed.

3.The impugned action is intrinsically linked to the subject matter of W.P(MD)No.5864 of 2021. When the petitioner's request for extension of contract was denied, the authorities were obliged to bring the property to fresh auction. Therefore, in these writ proceedings, I cannot fault the action taken by the respondent. At the same time, I am conscious that the Hon'ble Division Bench is seized of the matter. It is for the petitioner to move the Hon'ble Division Bench and obtain appropriate relief. However, to balance the interest of justice, while permitting the respondent to go ahead with the auction, I also permit the writ petitioner to take part in the same. The bids / tenders can very well be opened. But the final order shall not be passed for a period of exactly one week after the bids are opened. It is for the petitioner to obtain interim relief from the Hon'ble Division Bench in the meanwhile. 3/5

4.This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 25.10.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No MGA Note: Issue order copy on 27.10.2025.

To The District Forest Officer, District Forest Office, Trichy Division, Kajamalai, Trichy - 620 023.

4/5

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

MGA 25.10.2025 5/5