Rajagopal v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 19.01.2026 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G.JAYACHANDRAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN Rajagopal S/o.Thiraviam No.2-217 Near Post Office Rajakrishnapuram Levinjipuram Tirunelveli District.

Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector Tirunelveli District Tirunelveli.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer Tirunelveli Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar Radhapuram Taluk Tirunelveli District.

4. The Superintendent of Police Tirunelveli District.

5. The Inspector of Police Pazhavoor Police Station Tirunelveli District.

Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to Page No.1 of 5

5 herein to take effective and immediate steps to prevent the movement of heavy and commercial vehicles transporting rough stones, M-sand and other quarry materials through the narrow village roads of Rajakrishnapuram and Madampillaitharmam villages, Radhapuram Taluk, Tirunelveli District, and to ensure that such vehicles use only the designated Tirunelveli - Nagercoil State Highway and Four way road by considering the petitioner's representation dated 02.09.2025.

For Petitioner(s): Mr.P.Suresh For Respondent(s): Mr.J.Ashok for R1 to R3 Additional Government Pleader Mr.K.Gnanasekaran for R4 and R5 Government Advocate (Crl. Side)

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J.) Pursuant to the directions of this Court, passed on 11.12.2025, the respondents 1,2 and 3 have filed reports individually regarding the action taken against the vehicles, which are passing through the petitioner's village contrary to the transport permit.

2. The District Collector, in his report, has submitted that 49 vehicles have been seized for violation of Mines and Minerals Act and a sum of Rs.11,97,000/- has been collected as penalty. He has further stated that he has conducted meetings on 11.09.2025, 29.10.2025, 12.11.2025 and 29.12.2025 with the officials and instructed to take appropriate action against the Page No.2 of 5

unauthorized quarrying and transportation. Similar report has been filed by the Sub Collector and Tahsildar, who are respondents 2 and 3 respectively.

3. According to the learned Additional Government Pleader, in Radhapuram Taluk, out of 38 licensed quarries, 31 quarries are in operation and all efforts have been taken to prevent illegal mining.

4. The Sub Collector, who is the 2nd respondent in his status report, has stated as below:

"9.As per the order of the Hon'ble Court and instructions given by the 1st and 2nd respondent, regarding the petitioner's issue the 3rd respondent/Tahsildar Radhapuram herein has taken action against the illegal mining and smugglers of mineral resources in Radhapuram Taluk. The 3rd respondent herein has given strict instructions to the Zonal Deputy Tahsildar, Radhapuram, Revenue Inspector, Village Administrative Officer and Village Assistant of Levingipuram to monitor the illegal mining and movements of mineral resources by smugglers and take appropriate action against such Anti Social elements. Notice board has been erected in corner of the street stating that, "Mining Heavy Vehicles should not pass through the road" and currently mining heavy vehicles does not trespass through the road. For the above action taken through joint ventures by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Page No.3 of 5

respondents the petitioner's representation on 02.09.2025 has been complied with."

5. Considering the information furnished by the respondents 1, 2 and 3 in their status reports, the writ petition is disposed of with a further direction that the authorities should keep strict vigil over the mining operation and its transport. If there is any violation, strict action should be taken against the violators and if there is any lapse, it is always open to the petitioner herein to approach this Court for appropriate remedy. No costs. (G.J, J.) (K.K.R.K, J.) Index : Yes / No 19.01.2026 RR To

1. The District Collector Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli.

2. The Revenue Divisional Officer Tirunelveli, Tirunelveli District.

3. The Tahsildar Radhapuram Taluk Tirunelveli District.

4. The Superintendent of Police Tirunelveli District.

5. The Inspector of Police Pazhavoor Police Station Tirunelveli District.

Page No.4 of 5

DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J and K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN, J.

RR Order made in DATED : 19.01.2026 Page No.5 of 5