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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 13866
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
K.SURENDER, J
Suruli Selvan – Appellant
Versus
The District Collector, Theni District, Theni. – Respondent
Writ Petition
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Mr.M.Karthick Selvam
For the Respondents: Mr.P.Subbaraj Special Government Pleader
The court emphasized the necessity for timely administrative response to petitions concerning land rights and ordered a decision within twelve weeks.
Headnote:This Writ Petition was filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a Mandamus for the issuance of Patta for property in Natham Survey No.1595/4, measuring 3 cents. The petitioner claimed entitlement based on family succession, having made a prior representation. The court ordered the third respondent to consider the representation and make a decision within twelve weeks. Issues included the timeliness of government action on representations and the rights of the petitioner. The court framed the issue of procedural delay by government entities. Ultimately, the court directed a hearing and decision within the stipulated timeframe. The judgment concluded with an order noting the absence of costs.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. overview of property claims and procedural initiation. (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. petitioner's claim based on succession and peaceful possession. (Para 3) |
| 3. government's responsibility to respond timely to representations. (Para 4) |
| 4. court's directive for procedural compliance and fair hearing. (Para 5) |
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to issue Patta in favour of the petitioner in respect of the property comprised in Natham Survey No.1595/4, measuring an extent of 3 cents, situated at South Uthamapalayam, Uthamapalayam Taluk, Theni District, on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 11.12.2025, within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court.
2. By consent, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the subject property originally belonged to his father and after his demise, it was devolved upon the petitioner. The petitioner and his family members are in peaceful possession and enjoyment of the same. The petitioner submitted a representation dated 11.12.2025 to the respondents seeking issuance of Patta. However, despite the lapse of considerable time, no action has been taken on the petitioner’s representation. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.
4. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents would submit that the petitioner's representation will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed on merits and in accordance with law within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.
5. Recording the above submission, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the third respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 11.12.2025, and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law after providing reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, and any other persons, who may be affected by such decision, within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs.
