K.Prabhakaran v. The Chief Secretary

ORDER This writ petition has been filed to quash the tender notification dated

05.02.2026 vide Na.Ka.No. 379/ 2025/ A4 and consequentially to direct the respondents to issue the tender notification afresh and to conduct the tender by following the procedures as mentioned in Tamil Nadu Transparency of Tenders Act 1998 and the rules 2000.

¶2The petitioners have filed the present writ petition challenging the tender notification issued by the 2nd respondent in Na.Ka.No.379/2025/A4 dated

05.02.2026 relating to the lease of newly constructed municipal shops situated in the Mannargudi Bus Stand.

¶3It is stated that the impugned tender notification was issued by the 2nd respondent for leasing out five newly constructed municipal shops in the mannargudi bus stand. They intend to participate in the tender process, obtained a No Due Certificate from the 2nd respondent on 11.02.2026, which was a prerequisite for participation. It is further stated that the petitioners submitted the requisite Demand Drafts and receipts were issued by the 2nd respondent on

18.02.2026 acknowledging their participation in the tender process. While so, to their shock and surprise, on the day of auction i.e., on 19.02.2026, virtually the shops were allotted without any auction. It is the grievance of the petitioners that there was no open bid and practically all the other bidders were forcibly removed from the said place. Aggrieved by the same, the present writ petition came to be filed challenging the aforesaid tender process as well as seeking quashment of the said tender notification dated 05.02.2026 issued by the 2nd respondent.

¶4Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted after submitting his detailed arguments stated on instructions that at this stage, the petitioners would be satisfied if liberty is granted to them to submit an application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 seeking details relating to the allotment of the shops and the persons in whose favour the allotments were made. In view of the above, he sought a direction from this Court to the 2nd respondent to consider such application and furnish the information in accordance with law.

¶5Learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that if any application is submitted by the petitioners under the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the same would be considered by the respondents and appropriate orders would be passed in accordance with law.

¶6Heard the submissions made by learned counsel on both sides and perused the materials available on record.

¶7In view of the limited request now made by the learned counsel for the petitioners, without going into the merits of the case, this Court grants liberty to the petitioners to submit an appropriate application under the Right to Information Act, 2005 before the 2nd respondent seeking particulars relating to the allotment of the shops in question. In the event of submission of such application, the 2nd respondent shall consider the same and furnish the information and pass appropriate orders in accordance with the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

¶8With the aforesaid liberty as well as directions, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

01.06.2026 (2/2) Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order vsi2 To :

¶1The Chief Secretary Department of Municipal Administration and Water supply , Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai

¶2The Commissioner Mannargudi, 120, Gandhi Road, Opposite the Government Hospital Mannargudi Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 614 001 W.P.oNo.17115oofo2026 M.oDHANDAPANI,oJ.o vsi2 W.P.oNo.17115oofo2026 and W.M.P.oNos.18399oando18401oofo2026

01.06.2026 (2/2)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED:01.06.2026 CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI and W.M.P. Nos.18399 and 18401 of 2026 1. K.Prabhakaran 2. K.Rathinavelu ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Chief Secretary Department of Municipal Administration and Water supply , Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai 2. The Commissioner Mannargudi, 120, Gandhi Road, Opposite the Government Hospital Mannargudi Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu 614 001 ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to call for the records pertaining to the tender notification dated 05/02/2026 vide Na.Ka.No. 379/ 2025/ A4 and quash the same consequentially to direct the respondents to issue the tender notification afresh and to conduct the tender by following the procedures as mentioned in Tamil Nadu Transparency of Tenders Act 1998 and the rules 2000. For Petitioners : Mr.V. Sundarraman For Respondents : Mr.C. Prabakaran Government Counsel for R1 & R2