ORDER

This writ petition has been filed challenging the order dated

09.03.2022 passed under Section 36A of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959, imposing penalty of Rs.12,65,411/- on the petitioner for the illegal mining committed by him. The petitioner has challenged the impugned order on the ground of violation of principles of natural justice. According to him, the inspection reports dated 23.04.2019 and 12.03.2021 referred to in the impugned order were not furnished to him, which is the basis for imposition of penalty under Section 36A of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner drew the attention of this Court to the impugned order.

2.As seen from the impugned order, the copies of the inspection reports relied upon by the respondent in imposing penalty on the petitioner had admittedly not been furnished to the petitioner. The basis for imposition of penalty is the aforementioned inspection reports dated 23.04.2019 and 12.03.2021. The petitioner had also requested for copies of the aforementioned inspection reports from the respondent through his letter dated 27.07.2021 and despite the same, the responden