State authorities are legally obligated to consider and dispose of public representations concerning environmental clearance for industrial projects within a specified timeframe and in accordance with due process.

6. Saravanan ..Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents not to grant Environmental Clearance for the proposed quarry in Survey Nos.199/1D1A, measuring to an extent of 1.18.40 hectare at Naththalli Village, Dharmapuri District, to consider the petitioner's representations dated

08.04.2026 and 10.04.2026 and cancel the proposed quarry permission.

For Petitioner: Mr.K.Krishnan For Respondents: Notice dispensed with [R1, R2 & R6]

Mr.U.Baranidharan Special Government Pleader [R3 to R5]

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ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents not to grant Environmental Clearance for the proposed quarry in Survey Nos.199/1D1A, measuring to an extent of 1.18.40 hectare at Naththalli Village, Dharmapuri District, to consider the petitioner's representations, dated 08.04.2026 and

10.04.2026 and cancel the proposed quarry permission.

2. Mr.U.Baranidharan, learned Special Government Pleader, accepts notice on behalf of the respondents 3 to 5. Since no adverse orders are passed against the respondents 1, 2 and 6 in this writ petition, notice to the respondents

1, 2 and 6 is dispensed with by this Court.

3. It is the case of the petitioner that, quarry permission was illegally recommended for environmental clearance in favour of the 6^th respondent for the proposed quarry situated at the address morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition. In order to safeguard their livelihood and the local environment, the petitioner along with other residents submitted representations to the 3^rd respondent on 08.04.2026 and 10.04.2026, which were subsequently forwarded to the respondents 1 and 2 for necessary action. Despite receiving objections by way of above representations, the authorities have not taken any action. Instead, they are proceeding with the approval process in a mechanical and arbitrary manner without considering the objections of the residents.

Therefore, the petitioner has filed this writ petition.

4. Though very many grounds have been raised in this writ petition, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that, it would suffice, if this Court issues a direction to the respondents to consider and dispose of the petitioner's representations, dated 08.04.2026 and 10.04.2026 seeking to cancel the proposed quarry permission and not to grant environmental clearance for the proposed quarry, on merits and in accordance with law, within a time frame that may be fixed by this Court.

5. In view of the limited request sought for by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 1^st respondent to consider the petitioner's representations, dated 08.04.2026 and 10.04.2026, on merits and in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders, within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner as well as the 6^th respondent.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.