M. Vijayan v. The District Collector

O R D E R This Writ Petition is filed seeking for a direction to call for the records of the 2nd respondent pertaining to his proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 145 / 2022 / A5 dated 29.07.2022 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents herein to issue boatman license to the petitioner to drive and operate boat for tourists in Hogenakkal, Pennagaram Taluk, Dharmapuri District.

2.The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner, who is a resident of Ootamalai, Koothapadi Village in Hogenakkal Taluk, has driving the boat and fishing in Hogenakkal as the only source of living for the past 10 years. While so, for the purpose of driving boat for tourists in Hogenakkal, the petitioner had applied for a Boat Man License to the 2nd respondent along with necessary certificates such as a certificate from Police Department stating that he is not involved in any crime, a certificate from Village Administrative Officer, Koothapadi stating that he is residing in the same village, a certificate from the Medical Officer stating that he is physically fit and a certificate from the Station Officer, Fire and Rescue Department, stating his ability to swim and operate the boat. Inspite of submitting the application with all the required certificates, the 2nd respondent by proceedings in Na.Ka.No.145/2022/A5, rejected the application of the petitioner on 29.07.2022. The reason stated by the 2nd Page2 of 6 respondent that there are enough Boatman to drive the boats in Hogenakkal is erroneous. Aggrieved by the action of the respondents, the petitioner has filed this Writ Petition.

3.Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that he has made an application to the respondents to provide him license to drive the boat and a Panchayat Identity Card for driving the Boat, along with 16 other persons. However, based on the resolution, the Panchayat issued boatman license for 12 persons, out of the 16 persons and 4 persons were left out. Therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.

4.Learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the 1st respondent would submit that in the event of the petitioner submitting a fresh application, depending upon the present prevailing situation, the petitioner's application shall be considered on merits by the 2nd respondent.

5.Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, learned Special Government Pleader for the 1st respondent as well as the learned counsel for the 2nd respondent and perused the entire materials available on record. Page3 of 6

6.As rightly pointed out by the learned counsel for the respondents, based on the situation prevailing in the year 2022, the petitioner's application was rejected, while 12 persons were granted permission to sail the boat. In the event if any fresh application is filed by the petitioner now, the respondent authority is directed to consider the petitioner's application and grant Boatman License, by giving priority citing the reason that the earlier application was rejected in the year 2022.

7.With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. 01-04-2026 Index: Yes/No (2/2) Speaking/Non-speaking order GSA To

¶1The District Collector Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri.

¶3The Block Development officer Pennagaram Panchayat Union, Pennagaram, Dharmapuri District. Page4 of 6 Page5 of 6 WPoNo.o28643oofo2022 KRISHNANoRAMASAMYoJ. GSA WPoNo.28643oofo2022 01-04-2026 (2/2) Page6oofo6

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 01-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY WP No.28643 of 2022 M. Vijayan ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri. 2. The Block Development officer Pennagaram Panchayat Union, Pennagaram, Dharmapuri District. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER – This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking for a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records of the 2nd respondent pertaining to his proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 145 / 2022 / A5 dated 29.07.2022 and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents herein to issue boatman license to the petitioner to drive and operate boat for tourists in Hogenakkal, Pennagaram Taluk, Dharmapuri District. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Kiran, for Mr.K.Krishnamoorthy For Respondent(s): Mrs.S.Anitha, Special Government Pleader (For R1) Ms.R.L.Karthika (For R2) Page1 of 6