Kannan K v. The District Collector,

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by N.DILIP KUMAR, J.) This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Certiorari, calling for the records pertaining to the impugned notice in Na.Ka.No.165/2026 dated 04.08.2026 issued by the third respondent and quash the same.

2.Heard Mr.P.Arun Jayatram, learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Ms.J.Saranya, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.

3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that, though the impugned proceedings have been issued in Form-7 under the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, the contents thereof would disclose that the third respondent has called upon the petitioner to vacate the property, failing which coercive action would be initiated.

4.The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents, on instructions, would submit that the impugned proceedings may be treated as a show cause notice and the petitioner may be permitted to submit his explanation thereto. He would further submit that, upon receipt of the explanation, the third respondent would conduct a proper enquiry, afford an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and thereafter pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law.

5.In view of the above submissions, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the impugned proceedings in Na.Ka.No. 165/2026 dated 04.08.2026 shall be treated as a show cause notice. The petitioner is granted two weeks' time from the date of receipt of a copy of this order to submit his explanation to the same.

6.Upon receipt of such explanation, the third respondent shall conduct an enquiry, afford due opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks thereafter.

7.The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of with the above directions. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. [M.D.I.,J.] & [N.D.K.,J.]

11.08.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes ps To

1.The District Collector, Pudukuottai, Pudukottai District.

2.The Tahsildar, Illupur Taluk, Illupur, Pudukottai District.

3.The Revenue Inspector, Kudumiyanmalai Circle, Illupur Taluk, Pudukottai District. M.DHANDAPANI

, J.

and

N.DILIP KUMAR, J. ps

11.08.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 11.08.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.DILIP KUMAR and W.M.P(MD)No.17174 of 2026 K.Kannan ... Petitioner vs. 1.The District Collector, Pudukuottai, Pudukottai District. 2.The Tahsildar, Illupur Taluk, Illupur, Pudukottai District. 3.The Revenue Inspector, Kudumiyanmalai Circle, Illupur Taluk, Pudukottai District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records pertaining to the impugned notice made in Na.Ka.165/2026 dated 04.08.2026 issued by the third respondent and quash the same. For Petitioner : Mr.P.Arun Jayatram For Respondents : Ms.J.Saranya Government Advocate