Neelakandan, v. The Secretary to Government,

O R D E R This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to respondent Nos.2 and 3 to remove the lock and seal put on the petitioner's Shop No.304 situated at Mattuthavani, Madurai.

¶2Heard Mr. R. Murugappan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner; Mrs. K.R. Shivashankari, learned Counsel for the State, who takes notice on behalf of the first respondent; and Mrs. S. Devasena, learned Standing Counsel, who takes notice on behalf of respondent Nos.2 and 3.

¶3By consent of the learned counsel appearing on either side, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that Shop No. 304 was originally allotted by the second respondent Corporation in favour of the petitioner's father for carrying on a vegetable business. After the demise of the petitioner's father, the petitioner has been continuing the said business in the shop. According to the petitioner, the respondents, without issuing any notice or affording an opportunity of hearing, locked and sealed the shop, thereby preventing the petitioner from carrying on his livelihood.

¶5The learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the action of the respondents in sealing the shop without following the principles of natural justice is arbitrary and illegal. He therefore prayed that this Court may issue a direction to respondent Nos.2 and 3 to remove the lock and seal forthwith.

¶6Per contra, the learned Standing Counsel appearing for respondent Nos.2 and 3 submitted that the shop had originally been allotted only in favour of the petitioner's father. After his demise, the petitioner has not submitted any application seeking transfer of the lease in his favour. It is further submitted that a sum of Rs.1,01,535/- is due towards arrears. The learned Standing Counsel, on instructions, submitted that if the petitioner pays the said arrears and submits an application seeking transfer of the lease in his favour, the respondents are prepared to remove the lock and seal and consider the application for transfer of the lease in accordance with law.

¶7The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, on instructions, submitted that the petitioner has already paid a sum of Rs.51,535/- to the respondent Corporation. He further submitted that the petitioner will pay the balance amount on or before 07.08.2026 and continue to pay the future licence fee/rent regularly without default.

¶8In view of the above submissions, the petitioner is directed to pay the balance arrears to the respondent Corporation on or before 07.08.2026. If the respondent Corporation received the sum of Rs.51,535/-, they shall forthwith de-seal the premises. In the event the petitioner fails to pay the remaining balance amount within the stipulated time, the respondent Corporation is at liberty to proceed in accordance with law. The petitioner shall also continue to pay the future licence fee/rent and all other charges regularly without default.

¶9With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

06.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes TSG To

1.The Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai.

2.The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Anna Maligai, Madurai-625 002.

3.The Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Madurai Corporation, Madurai-625 002. M.DHANDAPANI

,J.

TSG DATED : 06.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 06.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P.(MD).No.13850 of 2026 Neelakandan ... Petitioner(s) vs. 1.The Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai. 2.The Commissioner, Madurai Corporation, Anna Maligai, Madurai-625 002. 3.The Assistant Commissioner (Revenue), Madurai Corporation, Madurai-625 002. ... Respondent(s) PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent Nos.2 and 3 to remove the lock and seal of the petitioner's shop No.304 situated at Mattuthavani, Madurai. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Murugappan For R-1 : Mrs.K.R.Shivashankari, Counsel for State For R-2 and R-3 : Mrs.S.Devasana, Standing Counsel