Selvaraj v. The District Collector

ORDER Heard both sides.

¶2The writ petitioner originally approached the respondents seeking permission to transport gravel from his patta land. Subsequently, the petitioner decided not to seek transportation, but, he only wanted to level his land. Paragraph 5 of the writ petitioner's affidavit reads as follows:- "5. I respectfully submit that I have approached the 4th respondent for transportation of Norambu Gravels / soils, but the 4th respondent has replied that no permission is required for Norambu Gravels / soils within my lands same village. However, the 5th respondent Police has threaten me for transportation without any permission and therefore I am facing lot of issues with the respondents 2 to 4 for levelling my lands and transportation of Page3 of 4 excess Norambu Gravels/ soils. In view of said circumstances, I have decided not to transport the Norambu Gravels / soils as per the request dated 31.12.2025 and allow me to complete the levelling entire lands in S.No.389/3. But the Revenue authorities and the 5th respondent Police are insisted to get permission for levelling my lands in S.No.389/3. It is pertinent to note that no granite stones in my lands, and only Norambu Gravels / soils along with rough stone, which are not either mines or minerals as per the provisions of Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959."

¶3The petitioner states that even though he only wants to confine his activities for levelling the land for cultivating purpose, the Authorities are interfering in his right to do so. It is not in dispute that for a mere levelling of land which does not involve any transportation, the permission of the authorities is not required. So long as the petitioner confines his activity to levelling the petition mentioned land alone and there is no transportation of gravel / sand, the petitioner need not obtain permission from the respondents.

¶4This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 27-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KAN/KKN Page4 of 4

G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. KAN / KKN To

¶1The District Collector, Salem District, Salem.

¶2The Sub Collector/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Mettur Revenue Division, Mettur Dam-1, Salem District.

¶3The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk, Mettur Dam-1, Salem District.

¶4The Deputy Director, Department of Mines and Geology, O/o.Salem District Collectorate, Salem-1, Salem District.

¶5The Inspector of Police, Mecheri Police Station, Mecheri-636 453, Mettur Taluk, Salem District. 27-05-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 27-05-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G. R. SWAMINATHAN and WMP.No. 22101 of 2026 Selvaraj S/o.Rajendran, Kukkalpatti Kattuvalavu, Mecheri- 636 453, Mettur Taluk, Salem District. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector, Salem District, Salem. 2. The Sub Collector/ Revenue Divisional Officer, Mettur Revenue Division, Mettur Dam-1, Salem District. 3. The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk, Mettur Dam-1, Salem District. 4. The Deputy Director, Department of Mines and Geology, O/o.Salem District Collectorate, Salem-1, Salem District. 5. The Inspector of Police, Mecheri Police Station, Mecheri- 636 453, Mettur Taluk, Salem District. ..Respondent(s) Page2 of 4 Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of writ of mandamus, forbearing the Respondents and their subordinates from interfering or disturbing in any manner levelling of the petitioner's agriculture lands for cultivation purpose in S.No. 589/3, to an extent of 1.61 Acres, situated at Mallikundam Village, Mettur Taluk, Salem District and consequently direct the respondents 2 to 5 to comply with Rule 6 (1) of Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules 1959. For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.R.Jothimanian For Respondent(s): Dr.R.Gowri Counsel for Govt. of Tamil Nadu for R1 to R4 Mr.A.Amarnath Counsel for Govt. of Tamil Nadu for R5