W.P.No.50353 of 2025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS Dated : 05.01.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE Ms. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA W.P.No. 50353 of 2025 K. Murugesan ...Petitioner Vs. 1.The Commissioner, Department of Geology & Mining, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. 2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirupur District - 641 604. 3.Revenue Divisional Officer, Townhall, Tirupur District - 641 601. 4.The Assistant Director (Mines), Collectorate Office, Department of Geology & Mining, Tirupur District - 641604. 1/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 5. The Thashildar, Palladam Taluk Office, Palladam - 641 664. ...Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Section 226 of the Constitution of India for issue of Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s representation dated 12.04.2025, in accordance with G.O. Ms. No. 170, Industries (M.M.C.2) Department dated 05.08.2020, wherein, the petitioner specifically sought: ( i ) the conduct of a digital and drone survey over Survey Nos. 27/1 and 10/8 in Kodangipalayam Village, Palladam Taluk, Tiruppur District, to ascertain whether gravel soil and ordinary stones have been mined in quantities far exceeding the permitted limits; (ii) the initiation of appropriate legal, penal against the quarry owners and departmental action against the erring officials responsible for such illegal extraction; and (iii) the imposition of fines and recovery of the financial loss caused to the Government, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, the BNS, the BNSS, and the binding 2/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 guidelines laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Common Cause v. Union of India. For Petitioner : Mr. N.D.Sivakumaran For Respondents : Mr. V.Jeevagiridharan Additional Government Pleader O R D E R This writ petition is filed for the following relief: “To direct the respondents to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s representation dated 12.04.2025, in accordance with G.O. Ms. No. 170, Industries (M.M.C.2) Department dated 05.08.2020, wherein, the petitioner specifically sought: ( i ) the conduct of a digital and drone survey over Survey Nos. 27/1 and 10/8 in Kodangipalayam Village, Palladam Taluk, Tiruppur District, to ascertain whether gravel soil and ordinary stones have been mined in quantities far exceeding the permitted limits; (ii) the initiation of appropriate legal, penal against the quarry 3/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 owners and departmental action against the erring officials responsible for such illegal extraction; and (iii) the imposition of fines and recovery of the financial loss caused to the Government, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, the BNS, the BNSS, and the binding guidelines laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in Common Cause v. Union of India.” 2. Today, when the matter is called for admission Mr.V.Jeevagiridharan, learned Additional Government Pleader, produced a letter dated 03.01.2026, wherein it is stated as follows: “(vii)In view of the above, it was informed to the petitioner vide this office letter No.3/Mines/2025 dated 11.08.2025 that, in Tiruppur District, Drone survey was conducted in 8 Rough stone quarries in 1st and 2nd phases. Further, it was informed that the petitioner request will be considered in the next phase of drone survey. 4/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 (viii)In view of the above, it is informed that, 20 quarries were allotted for drone survey in 3rd phase vide proceedings of the Regional Joint Director, Geology and Mining, Salem Region in Rc.No.78/2025/RJD-Mines/SLM-2. Out of which 4 quarries are covered in Palladam Taluk. Further, orders will be obtained for conducting drone survey in the subject quarry in subsequent phases. (ix)In the above circumstances, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition before the Hon’ble High Court of Madras. (x)It is informed that, a.The subject quarry in SF.No.27/1 and 10/8 of Kodangipalayam, Palladam Taluk, Tiruppur District was in operation since 2006. b.The licence to operate the quarry was granted after obtaining the recommendation reports from the Revenue Department, Pollution Control Board, Mines Department, State Level Impact Assessment Authority. 5/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 c.The petitioner request will be considered in the forthcoming phases for conducting drone survey and action will be taken as per act and rules inforce. 3. From a reading of the above, it is clear that the petitioner’s request has already been addressed. Therefore, this writ petition is disposed of on the basis of the letter dated 03.01.2026. No costs. 05.01.2026 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No kan 6/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 To 1.The Commissioner, Department of Geology & Mining, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Industrial Estate, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032. 2.The District Collector, Collectorate, Tirupur District - 641 604. 3.Revenue Divisional Officer, Townhall, Tirupur District - 641 601. 4.The Assistant Director (Mines), Collectorate Office, Department of Geology & Mining, Tirupur District - 641604. 5. The Thashildar, Palladam Taluk Office, Palladam - 641 664. 7/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P.No.50353 of 2025 P.T. ASHA, J kan W.P.No.50353 of 2025 05.01.2026 8/8 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis