Madras High CourtWP/24949/2026disposed of

K.M.Natarjan v. The District Collector

2026-07-02Honourable Mr.Justice Mohammed Shaffiq6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-07-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ AND WMP NO. 27201 OF 2026 K.M.Natarjan S/o.K.Murugan, No.03/79, Amballi Road, Kandili Village and Post, Tiruppattur Taluk, Vellore District-635 901.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector District collectorate Krishnagiri, Krishnagiri District.

2. The Assistant Director Department of Geology and Mining, District collectorate, Krishnagiri.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 1st respondent to consider the interim explanation dated 03.02.2026 and a further explanation dated 22.05.2026 submitted with regard to the pre-show cause notice under Reference Rc. No.313/2017/ Mines dated 22.01.2026 issued by the second respondent followed by the Notice for Personal hearing Rc. No.313/2017/ Mines, dated 06.05.2026 issued by the 1st respondent and direct the 1st respondent to pass an order for an independent inspection by the Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri or any other official, for survey of the site for the period commencing from 1995 onwards in respect of the Grey Granite quarry granted

to the petitioner in respect of totally an extent of 1.15.80 Hectares of patta lands in S.F. No.311/9B (0.20.30 ha), S.F.No.311/11(0.55.50 ha) S.F. No.311/14A (0.24.00 ha), S.F.No.311/14B (0.08.00 ha), S.F. No.311/15B (0.08.00 ha) of Jagadevipalayam Village, Bargur Taluk, Krishnagiri District. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.M.Ramamoorthi For Respondent(s):

Mr.J.V.Sakthi Balakrishnan, GA Order This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the 1st respondent to consider the interim explanation dated 03.02.2026 and a further explanation dated 22.05.2026 submitted with regard to the pre-show cause notice under Reference Rc. No.313/2017/ Mines dated 22.01.2026 issued by the second respondent followed by the Notice for Personal hearing Rc. No.313/2017/ Mines, dated 06.05.2026 issued by the 1st respondent and direct the 1st respondent to pass an order for an independent inspection by the Revenue Divisional Officer, Krishnagiri or any other official, for survey of the site for the period commencing from 1995 onwards in respect of the Grey Granite quarry granted to the petitioner in respect of totally an extent of 1.15.80 Hectares of patta lands in Jagadevipalayam Village, Bargur Taluk, Krishnagiri District.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that notice has been issued on 22.01.2026 inter alia alleging the following violations:

"On careful perusal of the drone survey report, the following violations are detected.

1. Removal and transportation of the mineral from the safety area, attracting Rule 36 - A(5) of TNMMCR, 1959.

2. Removal and transportation of the mineral from the non-lease area, attracting rule 36-A(5) of TNMMCR, 1959. 3.Dumping of waste material in the adjoining non-lease area.

4. Excess removal and transportation of 22503.501 m3 of grey granite from the lease area without valid permit from the competent authority.

5. Excess removal and transportation of 17336 m3 of grey granite from the non-lease area. "

3. The petitioner was directed to submit his written explanation within a period of 15 days. It is further submitted that the written explanation / reply was submitted vide letter dated 22.05.2026.

4. According to the learned Government Advocate for the respondents, the petitioner was granted an opportunity of personal hearing on 22.05.2026. While the petitioner attended the personal hearing, the reply / explanation said to have been submitted by the petitioner was not available on file.

5. This Court finds that, in order to uphold the principles of natural justice and to avoid any uncertainty, the petitioner is permitted to appear before the

first respondent at 11:00 a.m. on 08.07.2026 and submit his explanation. The first respondent shall consider the same and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law. Agreed to by learned counsel for petitioner as well as respondents.

6. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

02-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order GSK

1. The District Collector District collectorate Krishnagiri, Krishnagiri District.

2. The Assistant Director Department of Geology and Mining, District collectorate, Krishnagiri.

MOHAMMED SHAFFIQ J.

GSK AND WMP NO. 27201 OF 2026 02-07-2026