JUDGMENT

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

" 1) Quash Ext P-8 order passed by the 3^rd respondent rejecting Form 5 application submitted by the petitioner.

2) Direct the 3^rd respondent to remove the entries of properties covered by Ext P-1 and Item No 6 in P-2 from the databank."

[SIC]

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

3^rd 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 called for the satellite pictures as mandated under Rule 4(4f) of the Rules. There is no independ