Murugesan vs Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 41875

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Victoria Gowri, J
Murugesan – Appellant
Versus
Secretary to Government, Housing and Urban Development Department – Respondent
Writ Petition

Important Points

A Writ of Mandamus may be issued to compel a public authority to dispose of a pending statutory application within a reasonable period, provided natural justice is observed.

Subject

Writ Jurisdiction - Mandamus

Act Referred

Constitution of India: Art.226

Headnote

The petitioner sought a Writ of Mandamus under Art.226 of the Constitution of India, requesting the fifth respondent to process an application for the issuance of a Patta regarding specific land, without requiring an NOC from the state authority. The court noted the pending nature of the application and the willingness of the state representative to address it. The core issue was the entitlement of the petitioner to a timely administrative decision on an application for land records. The court reasoned that the relevant statutory authority is obligated to consider and dispose of such applications in accordance with law, ensuring procedural fairness. The petition is disposed of with a direction to the fifth respondent to process the application and pass reasoned orders within four weeks after providing a hearing to the petitioner.

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: A.Ilayaperumal
For the Respondents: S.J.Mohamed Sathik

Table of Content
1. mandating administrative authorities to process pending applications within a stipulated timeframe. (Para 1 , 2 , 3)

ORDER

Seeking a direction to the fifth respondent to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's online application dated 02.04.2026 for issuance of patta to the petitioner's land measuring 1200 sq.ft. comprised in S.No.255/2, subdivided as S.No.255/2A, Plot No.7A situated at Sri Rajiv Gandhi Nagar Annex, Nerkundram Village, Maduravoyal Taluk, Chennai District, this writ petition has been filed.

2. Mr.S.J.Mohamed Sathik, learned Government Advocate, appearing for the respondents submitted that the online application of the petitioner is pending and the same will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed.

3. In view of the said submission, the fifth respondent is directed to consider the petitioner's online application dated 02.04.2026 and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. At the time of consideration, the fifth respondent is directed to afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and on such time, the petitioner can submit the earlier orders passed by this Court.

This writ petition is disposed of with the above direction. No costs.