SAKTHI BLUE METALS Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard the learned Counsel appearing for the Petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the Respondent.

(2.) This writ petition has been filed challenging the proceedings of the Respondent, dated 14.9.2009, rejecting the request of the Petitioner to grant quarrying lease, to quarry blue metal, in S. No. 520/5B, Vadachithur Village, Pollachi Taluk, Coimbatore District.

(3.) According to the Petitioner firm, it had been granted quarrying lease, by an order, dated 12.12.2003, to quarry blue metal, for a period of five years. On the expiry of the lease granted in favour of the Petitioner firm, an application, dated 2.2.2009, had been made to extend the lease for a further period of five years. However, by the impugned order, dated 14.9.2009, the Respondent had refused to grant the permission on the ground that a Samathuvapuram Colony had come up, within the distance of 270 metres from the quarry site. In such circumstances, the present writ petition has been filed before this Court, under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.