R.Selvam, v. The Principal Chief Conservator Of Forests,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :06.11.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY R.Selvam ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.

2. The District Collector, Collectorate, Theni District, Theni.

3. The Deputy Director, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Megamalai Division, Theni District-625531.

4. The District Forest Officer, Theni Forest Division, Theni District -625531.

5. The Forest Officer, Kandamanoor Forest Range Office, Kandamanur, Theni District.

... 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 to take action on the basis of the RTI Appeal preferred by the petitioner dated 06.02.2025 and direct the respondents to furnish the information sought by the petitioner under the Right to Information Act, 2005 vide his application dated 11.12.2024, regarding the Government Forest Land in Survey No.778, Kadamalaikundu Village, Andipatti Taluk, Theni District, within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr. S.Vikram For Respondents : Mr.K.R.Badurus Zaman Government Advocate

O R D E R

The petitioner had submitted an application on 11.12.2024 under the Right to Information Act, 2005, to the fifth respondent seeking particulars relating to survey No.778. In particular, the petitioner had requested for information as to the authority under which one T.P.Govindaswamy was in occupation thereof. On the ground that such information has not been provided till date, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

2. Learned Government Advocate accepts notice for all the 2/5

respondents. He submits that the petitioner was informed that he should approach the Theni Forest Department. He states that the said reply could not be delivered because it was unclaimed. In any event, he states that the orders would be passed on the petitioner's request within three

(3) months.

3. In these circumstances, without expressing any opinion on the merits, this Writ Petition is disposed of by directing the fourth respondent to pass orders on the petitioner's request for information within three (3) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order in accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005. No costs. NCS : Yes/No 06.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No apd To

1. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Velachery Main Road, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.

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2. The District Collector, Collectorate, Theni District, Theni.

3. The Deputy Director, Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Megamalai Division, Theni District-625531.

4. The District Forest Officer, Theni Forest Division, Theni District -625531.

5. The Forest Officer, Kandamanoor Forest Range Office, Kandamanur, Theni District.

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SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY.,J.

apd ORDER MADE IN 06.11.2025 5/5