The court ruled for a timely inquiry into a land patta request, emphasizing the need for fairness and adherence to legal processes.

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the fourth respondent to complete the proceedings pursuant to the order of the third respondent dated 12.09.2025 in Na.Ka.No.0176/2025/A3, insofar as the petitioner is concerned, and consequently directing the fourth respondent to issue patta to the petitioner in respect of the land comprised in Survey Nos.277/14 and 277/15, situated at Sivarakottai Village, Kallikudi Taluk, Madurai District, within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. With the consent of the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The grievance of the petitioner is that he belongs to the Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar community. The petitioner and his ancestors have been in possession and enjoyment of the subject property for nearly 40 years, during which period they have been rearing goats and cows, putting up huts and storing hay for the livestock. The petitioner submitted a representation dated 21.08.2025 to the respondent seeking issuance of patta in light of his long-standing possession. The third respondent, by communication dated 12.09.2025, directed the fourth respondent to take appropriate action on the petitioner’s representation and to submit a detailed report. However, no further action has been taken. Therefore, the petitioner has been constrained to file the present Writ Petition.

4. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents, on instructions, would submit that the enquiry on the petitioner's representation dated 21.08.2025 would be concluded and appropriate orders would be passed by the fourth respondent within a period of twelve weeks.

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 fourth respondent to conclude the enquiry on the petitioner’s representation dated 21.08.2025 in Na.Ka.No.0176/2025/A3 and pass appropriate orders on its merits and in accordance with law within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The fourth respondent is also directed to provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties who may be affected by such decision, before passing any order. It is needless to state that if the petitioner is found entitled to patta, the same shall be issued to the petitioner in accordance with law. There shall be no order as to costs.