IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 07.11.2025 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI K.Ramalingam .. Petitioner Vs.

1.The Commissioner of Geology and Mining Thiru.Vi.Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

2.The District Collector, Cuddalore District, Cuddalore.

3.The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Cuddalore District. ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to permit the petitioner to operate the Fireclay quarry at S.F.Nos.183/1B, over an extent of 1.73.0 Hectares in Thazhampattu Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District, for the non-operative period of 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days, due to the change in revised mineral category and for the want of Environmental Clearance.

For petitioner : Mr.G.Vignesh For Respondents : Mr.Statlin Abimanyu, Additional Government Pleader

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondent to permit the petitioner to operate the Fireclay quarry at S.F.Nos.183/1B, over an extent of 1.73.0 Hectares in Thazhampattu Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District, for the non-operative period of 8 years, 5 months, and 3 days, due to the change in revised mineral category and for the want of Environmental Clearance.

2. Mr.Statlin Abimanyu, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that he is carrying out fireclay quarry operations in the patta lands measuring an extent of 1.73.0 Hectares, comprised in S.F.Nos.183/1A2 and 183/1B, situated in Thazhampattu Village, Panruti Taluk, Cuddalore District vide lease agreement dated 13.03.2006. However, due to some changes in Mineral Concession rules and administrative delay for incorporating the grant of Scheme for Mining, the petitioner could not operate the quarry from 18.09.2016 to 21.02.2025. Hence, in order to compensate for the said period of non-operation of quary, the petitioner had submitted a representation dated 03.03.2025 to the 2^nd respondent seeking permission to operate the quarry for the equivalent period. However, the said representation has not been considered till date and therefore, in order to espouse the said cause, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

4. Learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 03.03.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same within the time that may be stipulated by this Court. 5. On the above contention, this Court heard the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.

6. In view of the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 2^nd respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 03.03.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties.

7. This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction.

There shall be no order as to costs.

07.11.2025 Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Speaking Order/Non-Speaking Order Nhs To

1.The Commissioner of Geology and Mining Thiru.Vi.Ka Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai-600 032.

2.The District Collector, Cuddalore District, Cuddalore.

3.The Assistant Director, Department of Geology and Mining, Cuddalore District.

M.DHANDAPANI, J.

Nhs

07.11.2025 M.DHANDAPANI, J This petition has been listed under the caption “For being Mentioned” at the instance of Registry.

2. It is brought to the notice of this Court by Registry that an inadvertent error has crept in the order dated 07.11.2025 in the prayer portion, wherein, S.F.No.183/1A2 has inadvertently been omitted to be typed which has got reflected in p