C.V. THANDAVAN Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR, MADURAI DISTRICT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE Petitioner, who is a resident of Keelamathur Main Road, Keelamathur Village, Madurai South Taluk, has come forward with this Writ Petition in public interest alleging that that the villagers are depending upon Keelamathur Kanmoi for their water sources and even there karuvel trees are planted, which is a source of income to the Village Panchayat and in such circumstances, lease has been granted to the 4th Respondent to quarry gravel from Keelamathur Kanmoi. It is also alleged that if quarrying of gravel is permitted in the said kanmoi, it would cause great hardship to the agriculturists and villagers as it would totally take away the water facility as well as storage facility. With the above allegation, the Petitioner is said to have sent a representation on 09.04.2012 to the 1st Respondent, the District Collector. Stating that the said representation was not taken into consideration, the Petitioner has come forward with the present public interest litigation seeking quashing of the permission granted to the 4th respondent for quarrying gravel in Keelamathur Village.

(2.) AT the time of admission, Mr.G.Chandrasekaran, learned counsel, submitted that he has instructions to appear for the 4th Respondent. Learned Special Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of Respondents 1 to 3. We have heard the learned counsel on either and by consent, the main writ petition itself is taken up for final disposal.

(3.) IN support of his contention, the learned counsel for the 4th Respondent also brought to the notice of the Court the Report of the Revenue Divisional Officer, Madurai, dated 20.04.2012, addressed to the District Collector, Madurai, in his proceedings Na.Ka.No.F/5627/2011, dated 24.04.2012, under which the Revenue Divisional Officer has stated as follows: