M. KARUNANITHI Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR SIVAGANGAI AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present Writ Petition styled as a 'Public Interest Litigation' is filed by Mr. M.Karunanithi, S/o.Muthuraman, who is a resident of Malavarayanenthal Village, Thirupachetthi Post, Manamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District, praying for the quashment of the impugned order dated 24.11.2017, in and by which, the bid was knocked down in favour of the successful bidder, for removal of 'Prosopis Juliflora Trees' (Seemaikaruvelam trees), from the lands/water courses, situated in certain villages of Sivagangai District.

(2.) The petitioner in the affidavit filed in support of this Writ Petition, claims that he is engaged in agricultural work and according to him, in the auction notification, the date of auction was fixed on 13.02.2017 and whereas, the auction was conducted on 27.04.2017 and with regard to the postponement of the auction date, a re-notification has not been published in the newspaper and the jurisdictional Village Administrative Officer, merely putting the information in the notice-board of the locality, has conducted the auction and not in a transparent manner, but in a secret manner and as such, the private respondents got benefitted.

(3.) The Writ Petition was entertained on 15.12.2017 and thereafter, twice, it was adjourned and when the matter was listed on 05.01.2018, Mr. Murugan, learned Government Advocate, accepted notice on behalf of respondents 1 to 4 and prayed for time to get instructions and therefore, this Court adjourned the matter to 29.01.2018, for filing counter and on that day, Mr. G.Prabhu Rajadurai, learned counsel has entered appearance on behalf of the fifth respondent and sought time to file counter-affidavit with supporting documents and hence, it was adjourned to 12.02.2018.