M.Karupannan v. The District Forest Officer

ORDER This Writ Petition is taken up for final hearing at the time of admission with the consent of the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Counsel for State of TN for the respondents.

¶2The petitioner had participated in the tender floated by the respondents for cutting Karuvelam trees in 1997, Sodhukudi Kanmai, to an extent of 15.07 hectares, situated in Sodhukudi, Manamadurai Social Forests Range, Sivagangai. The petitioner was communicated about the awarding of the contract for a period between 01.09.2024 and 31.08.2025 only through a communication dated

29.08.2025, which is one day before the expiry of the period of contract. The petitioner, thus, commenced the work and at the same time, sent a representation dated 30.08.2025.

¶3The case of the petitioner is that during the interregnum, there has been heavy rain and therefore, the petitioner could not complete the work and therefore, the petitioner is being put to pecuniary loss.

¶4The learned Counsel for State of TN, on the other hand, submits that the general circular has been issued by the Additional Secretary to Government, wherein the Authorities have been specified for extension of time under similar circumstances.

¶5Having considered the submissions made by the learned counsel for the petitioner and learned Counsel for State of TN for the respondents, I am of the view that the eleven month period stipulated in the order dated 29.08.2025 by the first respondent/District Forest Officer has to be given to the petitioner. The eleven month period will expire on 31.07.2025, which is end of this month.

¶6The first respondent may consider the request of the petitioner based on the weather conditions during the preceding eleven months as to whether there was indeed any difficulty for the petitioner in cutting the Karuvelam trees. This exercise shall be completed by the first respondent within a period of two (2) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7This Writ Petition is disposed of, with the above observations. No costs. Index : Yes / No

17.07.2026 Internet : Yes / No apd To

¶1The District Forest Officer, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai.

¶2The Forest Ranger, Social Forests Range, Manamadurai Sivagangai District.

C.SARAVANAN, J.

apd

17.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.SARAVANAN M.Karupannan ... Petitioner Vs 1. The District Forest Officer, Sivagangai District, Sivagangai. 2. The Forest Ranger, Social Forests Range, Manamadurai Sivagangai District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing respondents to conduct enquiry in respect of granting extension time to cut the Karuvela trees in 1997 Sodhukudi Kanmai to an extent of 15.07 Hectare situated in Sodhukudi, Manamadurai Social Forests Range, Sivagangai District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 30.08.2025. For petitioner : Mr. S.Anbuchezhian For Mr. M.Sankar For respondents : Mr.R.Parthiban Counsel for State of TN *****