Chandrasekar M v. The Principal Secretary to Government

O R D E R This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order dated

15.07.2026 passed by the fifth respondent and consequently to direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to continue the collection of market fees in the Manapparai Municipal weekly cattle market in terms of lease granted by proceedings dated 30.03.2026.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was granted the leasehold right to collect the fees of the Manapparai Municipality Weekly Cattle Market for the financial year 2024–2025. As per the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, the lease was renewable for a further period of three consecutive years. Accordingly, the lease in favour of the petitioner was renewed for the year 2026–2027 by proceedings dated 03.03.2026. Pursuant thereto, the petitioner paid the bid amount of Rs.2,52,00,000/-. While so, all of a sudden, the respondent issued a show cause notice alleging that the petitioner had collected excess fees from the users of the cattle market. Based on the said complaint, the Revenue Inspector conducted an inspection and thereafter issued notices dated 30.06.2026 and 08.07.2026. The petitioner submitted detailed explanations on 06.07.2026 and 13.07.2026 denying all the allegations. However, without considering the petitioner's explanations, the respondent passed the impugned order dated 15.07.2026 cancelling the lease with effect from

16.07.2026. Challenging the same, the present writ petition has been filed.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the allegation that the petitioner had collected excess fees is wholly baseless and unsupported by any material. Without properly considering the petitioner's explanations, the respondent arbitrarily cancelled the lease. It is therefore prayed that this Court may direct the respondents to refund the proportionate lease amount payable to the petitioner after deducting the lease amount for the period during which the petitioner actually enjoyed the lease.

¶4The learned Standing Counsel representing on behalf of the third respondent, on instructions, submitted that after adjusting the lease amount for the period during which the petitioner operated the weekly cattle market, the balance amount payable to the petitioner has been calculated at Rs.1,73,94,538/-. He further submitted that the said amount would be refunded to the petitioner within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is also submitted that, until further orders or fresh arrangements are made in accordance with law, the respondents will collect the cattle market fees by engaging their own personnel.

¶5Recording the above submission made by the learned Standing Counsel, this Writ Petition stands disposed of with a direction to the respondents to refund a sum of Rs.1,73,94,538/- to the petitioner within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. It is made clear that, until further arrangements are made in accordance with law, the respondents shall collect the cattle market fees through their own officials. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

27.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes PKN To

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

¶2The Director of Municipal Administration, Santhome High Court, Mrc Nagar, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai.

¶3The Regional Director of Municipal Administration, No.212, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur.

¶4The District Collector, Trichirappalli District.

¶5The Commissioner, Manapparai Municipality, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy District. M.DHANDAPANI

,J.

PKN DATED : 27.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 27.07.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and WMP (MD) Nos.15291 & 15292 of 2026 M.Chandrasekar ... Petitioner(s) vs. 1. The Principal Secretary to Government, Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, Fort St.George, Chennai. 2. The Director of Municipal Administration, Santhome High Court, Mrc Nagar, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai. 3. The Regional Director of Municipal Administration, No.212, Gandhiji Road, Thanjavur. 4. The District Collector, Trichirappalli District. 5. The Commissioner, Manapparai Municipality, Manapparai Taluk, Trichy District. ... Respondent(s) PRAYER : Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records relating to the proceeding of the 5th respondent in Na.Ka. No. 3095/2023/A2 dated 15.07.2026 and quash the same as illegal, arbitrary and consequently direct the respondents to permit the petitioner to continue the collection of market fees in the Manapparai Municipal weekly cattle market in terms of lease granted by proceedings dated 30.03.2026. For Petitioner : Mr. Vijaykarthikeyan for Mr.N.Shanmuga Selvam For R1 & R2 : Mr.R.Ramasamy, Counsel for State For R3 : K.R.Kishore Ram for Ms.V.Sujatha