M.Moorthy v. The District Collector

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.Jayachandran J.) Under the guise of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), one Moorthy, has filed this writ petition questioning the resolution passed by the local panchayat to lay a new road, alleging that it was done to favour the private interest of the 7th respondent. Page3 of 6

¶2According to the petitioner, the newly laid road, spanning approximately four acres, is intended exclusively for transporting minerals mined by the 7th respondent from a nearby village. Hence, the same has to be prevented.

¶3The learned Government Advocate appearing for the official respondents submits that the newly laid road is one kilometer length and 5.5 meters in width for public transport and not for the exclusive use of the 7th respondent. Furthermore, the objection of the writ petitioner under the guise of a Public Interest Litigation is to prevent transport of minerals by the 7th respondent, who holds a valid license to mine. He further submits that the contention of the writ petitioner that four acres of land solely as a quarry path is factually incorrect, as the road has been laid under the Rural Road Development Fund after due resolution passed by the local panchayat.

¶4On hearing the submissions, we find that no public interest is involved in this writ petition. The petitioner is challenging the laying of a road for public transport, which is being constructed substantially using the public funds. The petitioner's intention for challenging the laying of road and the reason stated in his objection does not carry any merit. Hence, this Writ Petition stands dismissed. Page4 of 6

¶5However, we clarify that the dismissal of the writ petition should not be construed as a tacit approval to the 7th respondent's quarry operation. The mining operations, if any, should be in strict compliance of the regulations without disturbing the natural resources and water supply. We dismiss this writ petition solely on the ground that the petitioner's objection to the public road carry no merit and the petitioner has come to this Court through this PIL without any bonafide reason. The petitioner is instructed not to misuse the PIL jurisdiction in the future. If any frivolous petition is filed by him in future, it will be viewed seriously. (Dr.G.J.,J.) (N.M.,J.) 14-07-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rpl To

1.The District Collector District Collector Office, GST Road, Chengalpattu-603 001.

2.The Assistant Director Department of Geology and Mining, 4th Floor, District Collector Office, Chengalpattu-603 001.

3.The Revenue Divisional Officer Page5 of 6

4.The Tahsildar Maduranthakam Taluk Office, National Highway 38,

5.The Block Development Officer Block Development Office, Maduranthakam-603 306. WPoNo.o26660oofo2026 DR.G.JAYACHANDRANoJ. and N.MALAoJ. rpl WritoPetitionoNo.o26660oofo2026 14-07-2026 Page6oofo6

Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 14-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE DR JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN AND THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE N. MALA Writ Petition No. 26660 of 2026 M.Moorthy ..Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector District Collector Office, Chengalpattu-603 001. 2. The Assistant Director Department of Geology and Mining, 4th Floor, District Collector Office, Chengalpattu-603 001. 3. The Revenue Divisional Officer 4. The Tahsildar Maduranthakam Taluk Office, National Highway 38, 5. The Block Development Officer Block Development Office, Maduranthakam-603 306. 6. The President Village Panchayat, Viralur Panchayat Office, Page2 of 6 Chengalpattu -603 313. 7. Sekar Sri Aarupadi Minerals Blue Metals Supplies, Onam Pakkam, Chengalpattu -603 313. ..Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Respondents to provide an alternative route to transport the mineral resources from the quarry by the 7th Respondent in Onambakkam Panchayat, immediately to demolish the road if already the road has constructed on Government land approximately of 4 acres through our village, again restore that Land into a Lake Water inflow area and an area rich in natural resources and also considering the Representation Letter dated 22.07.2024, 16.09.2024, 19.09.2024 and 25.08.2025, within a time limit that may be stipulated by this Hon'ble Court. For Petitioner: Mr.M.Abivarthan For Respondents: Mr.K.Surendar Government Advocate for R1 to R5