Kumaresh v. The District Collector

Order This writ petition has been filed to forbear respondents 3 and 4 from carrying out any tourist activities in the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition.

2.According to the petitioner, he belongs to Toda community and the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition, was allocated to the Toda community and the Government of Tamil Nadu granted Community Forest Rights to them in respect of the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition. Despite granting Community Forest Rights as per the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006, the petitioner contends that respondents 3 and 4 are carrying out tourist activities in the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition, which is contrary to the provisions of Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006. The petitioner had given a representation on

14.02.2026 to the respondents requesting them not to carry any tourist activities Page3 of 4 in the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition. Since the said representation has not been considered, the petitioner has filed this writ petition.

3.Mr.C.Meera Arumugam, learned Additional Government Pleader accepts notice on behalf of respondents 1 and 2. Dr.T.Srinivasan, learned Special Government Pleader accepts notice on behalf of respondents 3 and 4.

4.This Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the petitioner's representation.

5.No prejudice would be caused to the respondents if the petitioner's representation, as stated supra, is considered, on merits and in accordance with law, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

6.For the foregoing reasons, this writ petition is disposed of by directing the first respondent to pass final orders, on merits and in accordance with law on the petitioner's representation dated 14.02.2026 requesting the respondents not to carry any tourist activities in the property, morefully disclosed in the prayer to this writ petition, after giving due consideration to the supporting documents produced by the petitioner, within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 24-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VGA Page4 of 4 ABDUL QUDDHOSE J. VGA To

¶1The District collector Collectorate office, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris 643 001

¶2The District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare officer Collectorate office, The Nilgiris 643 001

¶3The District Forest Officer Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris district 643 101

¶4The forest ranger Forest North Range office, Finger post, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris district 643 101 24-04-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 24-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE ABDUL QUDDHOSE Kumaresh ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District collector Collectorate office, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris 643 001 2. The District Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare officer Collectorate office, The Nilgiris 643 001 3. The District Forest Officer Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris district 643 101 4. The forest ranger Forest North Range office, Finger post, Udhagamandalam, The Nilgiris district 643 101 ..Respondent(s) directing the 1st respondent by forbearing the 3rd and 4th respondent from carrying out any tourist activities in survey No.107 situated at Thavikodu Mund, Sholur Town Panchayat, Udhagamandalam Taluk, The Nilgiris district which is which are contrary to the provisions of the scheduled Tribes and other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006 based on petitioner representation dated 22.12.2025. Page2 of 4 For Petitioner(s): Mr.K. Vasanthanayagan For Respondent(s): Mr.C.Meera Arumugam,AGP For R1 & R2 Dr.T.Seenivasan,SGP For R3 & R4