Governmental bodies must act expeditiously on membership applications for societies, especially when vacancies exist, to avoid arbitrary inaction.

ORDER :

NYAPATHY VIJAY, J.

1. This writ petition is filed declaring the action of Respondents in not admitting the Petitioners as members of Respondent No.4-Soceity by considering their representation dated 01.10.2025 in terms of G.O.Ms.No.74, Animal Husbandry, Dairy Development & Fisheries (F.II) Department, dated 21.10.2011 as illegal and arbitrary.

2. The facts leading to filing of the case are as follows:

Respondent No.4 is a Fishermen Co-operative Society registered on 03.01.1976 with Registration No.F.25. It is stated that the area of operation of the society extends to Chinakraka and Annavaram Revenue Villages which comprise of one irrigation tank of an extent of 1600 acres (640 hectares). It is stated that as the Petitioners are also fishermen and as of now there are 300 vacancies in the society and the 137 Petitioners herein had applied for the membership in the society and to admit them after conducting the requisite skill test in terms of G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 21.10.2011. As the representation is not being considered, the present writ petition is filed.

3. Learned Assistant Government Pleader, passed on signed instructions of Joint Director of Fisheries, SPSR Nellore District dated 12.02.2026, wherein the facts are not in dispute with regard to area on lease of Respondent No.4-society. However, it is mentioned that Respondent No.3 had positively considered the representation of the Petitioners and appropriate action in accordance with law would be taken after receipt of feasibility and viability report from the Fisheries Development Officer and the Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kavali.

4. Learned counsel for the Petitioners submits that certain time frame be fixed for the Respondents to take decision rather than keeping the issue in abeyance on one ground or other.

5. Considering the submissions, the writ petition is disposed of directing the Respondents to take further action with regard to the claim of Petitioners for admission as members of Respondent No.4-Society in terms of G.O.Ms.No.74, dated 21.10.2011, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No order as to costs.

As a sequel, pending applications, if any, shall stand closed.