Prakash v. The District Collector

ORDER This petition has been filed seeking a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioners reply letter dated 28.01.2026 and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to release the petitioners vehicle bearing registration No. TN 33 BS 9367 and the LPG cylinders therein( 4 filled under 2 empty 19 kg each ) to the petitioner.

¶2It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner is the Proprietor of the firm M/s.Sakthi Gas and authorised dealer of liquid petroleum gas. When, on

06.12.2025, the petitioner was transporting LPG cylinders by using his TATA Ace vehicle bearing Registration No.TN 33 BS 9367, the respondents intercepted and seized the said vehicle by the 3rd respondent based on the complaint lodged by the business competitors. The seizure was purportedly made under Section 3(1)(c) of the LPG (Regulationsof Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000 read with Section 7(i)(a)(ii) of Essential Commodities Act, 1955. Subsequently, the second respondent issued a show cause notice dated

11.12.2025 proposing confiscation of the cylinders under Section 6(A) of the EC Act alleging that the cylinders were meant for public use and were being misused for commercial purposes. In complaince, the petitioner has appeared before the second respondent on 19.12.2025 and submitted his reply dated

28.01.2026 along with all requisite documents to prove their lawful acquisition. However, no progress has been made and the vehicle which was not released so far. Hence, the present writ petition.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the respondents to consider and pass orders based on the petitioners reply dated 28.01.2026 within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

¶4The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents submitted that the request made by the petitioner will be considered and appropriate orders will be passed within the stipulated time as fixed by this Court.

¶5Heard the learned counsel for both side and perused the materials available on record.

¶6Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and in view of the limited request sought for by the petitioner, this court directs the first respondent to enquire into the matter and pass orders on the petitioner's reply dated

28.01.2026 within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7With the above directions, the writ petition is disposed of. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. No costs. 06-03-2026 rli Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Internet:Yes To

1.The District Collector Nilgiris District Ooty, Tamil Nadu.

2.The District Supply Officer Office Of The District Collector. Nilgiris District Ooty.

3.The Taluk Supply Officer Office Of The Thasildar Kotagiri Taluk The Nilgiris M.DHANDAPANI J. rli 06-03-2026

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06-03-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP No. 9260 of 2026 Prakash Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Nilgiris District, Ooty, Tamil Nadu. 2.The District Supply Officer Office Of The District Collector. Nilgiris District, Ooty. 3.The Taluk Supply Officer Office Of The Thasildar, Kotagiri Taluk, The Nilgiris Respondent(s) PRAYER; This writ petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the first respondent to consider the petitioners reply letter dated 28.01.2026 and consequently direct the 3rd respondent to release the petitioners vehicle bearing registration No. TN 33 BS 9367 and the LPG cylinders therein( 4 filled under 2 empty 19 kg each ) to the petitioner. For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.Venkadesh Kumar For Respondent: Mr.T.M.Rajangam, GA