JUDGMENT

This Writ Petition (C) is filed seeking the following reliefs:

" i. To issue a writ of certiorari or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction, calling records leading to Exhibit.P4 and quash the same.

ii. To issue a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ, order, or direction directing the 3^rd respondent to allow Exhibit.P3 form 5 application of the petitioner within a time frame."

[SIC]

2. The petitioner is aggrieved by the order passed by the

4^th respondent rejecting the Form–5 application submitted by him under the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Rules, 2008 (‘Rules’, for brevity). The main grievance of the petitioner is that the authorised officer has not considered the contentions of the petitioner.

3. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader.

4. This Court perused the impugned order. I am of the considered opinion that the authorised officer has failed to comply with the statutory requirements. The impugned order was passed by the authorised officer solely based on the report of the Agricultural Officer. There is no indication in the order that the authorized officer has directly inspected the property or