N.THAVASI Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr.C.Vakeeswaran for the petitioner and Mrs.J.Padmavathy Devi for the respondents.

(2.) The petitioner is a contractor for the Highways Department. On the basis of a publication in the local newspaper alleging illegal quarrying of stones, the Assistant Director, Mines and Minerals Department, the third respondent herein [in short 'R-3'] passed an order dated 30.11.2010 directing the initiation of action against the petitioner for illicit cutting of stones in three areas in Vadakavunji Village, Kodaikanal Taluk, Dindigul District, admeasuring 1436 cubic metres [507 units of stones]. Action was also proposed to be taken against two other contractors, one by name Nagaraj and the other, Pownraj, for the same alleged infraction.

(3.) The Revenue Divisional Officer (in short RDO/R2) was directed to forward a detailed report on the action taken against the aforesaid three contractors in terms of Rule 16A of the Tamil Nadu Mines and Minerals Act, 1959 (in short Act) and Tamil Nadu Mines and Mineral Concession Rules, 1959 (in short 'Rules').