Thangapandi.E v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENGH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 02.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY W.P.(MD)No.36580 of 2025 E.Thangapandi ... Petitioner Vs

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The Kodaikanal Hill Area Preservation of Trees Committee, Rep. by its Chairman, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District.

3. The District Forest Officer, Kodaikanal Range, Dindigul District.

4. The Sacred Heart College, Rep by its Procurator, Shenbaganoor, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the respondents 1 to 3 from issuing tree transport permit in favor of the 4th respondent or their agents by considering the petitioner's objection dated 28.11.2025. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Mahaboob Athiff For Respondents : Mrs.K.Malathi, Addl. Govt. Pleader for R1 to R3

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed seeking a Mandamus as against respondents 1 to 3 from issuing tree transport permit in favor of the 4th respondent or their agents by considering the petitioner's objection dated 28.11.2025.

2. By consent, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself. Since no adverse order is going to be passed, notice to the 4th respondent is dispensed with.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner made an agreement with the 4th respondent to cut and remove the Eucalyptus trees. The 2nd respondent also by its proceeding dated 14.03.2023 granted permission for felling, removal and transportation of the said Eucalyptus trees to the petitioner. In furtherance thereof, the petitioner has been cutting and removing a portion of the trees. While so, the 4th respondent 2/4

is attempting to permit other persons to cut and remove the trees in the land. Hence, the petitioner preferred an objection on 28.11.2025 to the respondents not to grant permission or permit for felling of trees or transport of the same. The said objection was not considered till date. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court.

4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, without going into the merits of the matter, this Court directs the respondents 1 to 3 to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's objection dated 28.11.2025, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

02.01.2026 Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No vsm 3/4

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.

vsm To

1. The District Collector, Dindigul District, Dindigul.

2. The Kodaikanal Hill Area Preservation of Trees Committee, Rep. by its Chairman, Kodaikanal, Dindigul District.

3. The District Forest Officer, Kodaikanal Range, Dindigul District.

W.P.(MD)No.36580 of 2025 02.01.2026 4/4