Writs can compel timely action on administrative applications under specific regulations.

JUDGMENT

The above writ petition is filed with following prayers : “i) Issue a writ of mandamus or any other writ, order or direction to 2nd respondent/Authorized Officer to consider and pass orders on Ext.P4 application within a time frame fixed by this Hon’ble Court.

ii) Issue a writ of mandamus or any other writ, order or direction to 5th respondent to submit report as called for from the 2nd respondent/ Authorized Officer within a time frame fixed by this Hon’ble Court.

iii) Dispense with the filing of the translation of vernacular documents.

iv) Issue such other writ, order or direction as this Hon’ble Court may deem fit and proper in the circumstances of the case. “ [sic]

2. When this writ petition came up for consideration, the learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that they will be satisfied if a direction is issued to consider Ext.P4 application submitted in Form 6 under Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Rules , 2008.

3. Heard the learned Government Pleader also.

4. After hearing both sides, I think that prayer can be allowed.

Therefore, this writ petition is disposed of with the following directions:

1) The 5^th respondent is directed to submit necessary report based on Ext.P4 as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.

2) Once the report is received, the 3^rd respondent/competent authority shall consider Ext.P4, (if it is pending and if it is in order) as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within four months from the date of receipt of the report from the 5^th respondent.

3) The petitioners will produce a certified copy of this judgment before the 3^rd and 5^th respondents for compliance.

Sd/-