Athmanathan v. The District Collector

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.) The writ petition had been filed in the nature of Certiorarified Mandamus seeking records relating to a notice dated 27.01.2026 issued by the 4th respondent Revenue Inspector Avudaiyar Koil at Pudukottai District.

¶2The fourth respondent in the proceeding dated 27.01.2026, which is now sought to be quashed by the petitioner, had issued notice under Section 6 of the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905. The Act very clearly specifies a Revenue Inspector being subordinate to the Tahsildar has no authority to issue notice under Section 6 of the said Act. We are not entering into any discussion about the merits of the notice, but quashing the notice only on the ground of incompetency of the official, who had issued the notice.

¶3Notice stands quashed. The respondents are at liberty to proceed in the manner known to law and in accordance with law. We deeply appreciate the submission made on behalf of the respondents that no specific authorisation has been given to the Revenue Inspector to issue the notice.

¶4The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently connected Miscellaneous Petitions are closed.

(C.V.K.,J.) (R.S.V,J.)

06.07.2026 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No RR To

¶1The District Collector Collectorate, Pudukottai District.

¶2The Revenue Divisional Officer,, Aranthangi Division, Pudukottai District.

¶3The Tahsildar, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District.

¶4The Revenue Inspector, Avudaiyarkovil Firka, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District. C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J AND R.SAKTHIVEL, J RR W.P.(MD)No.18546 of 2026

06.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 06.07.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE R.SAKTHIVEL W.P.(MD)No.18546 of 2026 and WMP(MD) Nos.13713 to 13715 of 2026 1. Athmanathan S/o.Ramu, Veliyathur Group, Koodalur Village, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District. ... Petitioner(s) in WP(MD). 18546/ 2026 - Vs. - 1. The District Collector Collectorate, Pudukottai District. 2. The Revenue Divisional Officer,, Aranthangi Division, Pudukottai District. 3. The Tahsildar, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District. 4. The Revenue Inspector, Avudaiyarkovil Firka, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District. ... Respondent(s) in WP(MD). 18546/ 2026 Prayer in WP(MD). 18546/ 2026 :Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records relating to the impugned notice dated 27.01.2026 issued by the 4th respondent in respect of the land measuring 0.02.40 hectares in Survey No.80/1, Koodalur Village, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to consider the petitioners claim for regularization and assignment of patta within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.VR.Shanmuganathan For Respondents : Mr..S.I.Muthiah for R1 to R4 Counsel for State