APHC010410832025 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ANDHRA PRADESH AT AMARAVATI (Special Original Jurisdiction) [3396] THURSDAY, THE 6th DAY OF AUGUST 2026 PRESENT THE HONOURABLE DR. JUSTICE VENKATA JYOTHIRMAI PRATAPA WRIT PETITION NO: 21342/2025 Between: R BHUPATHI, S/O. LATE R RAMASWAMY, AGED 43 YEARS, PROPRIETOR OF MURUGAN SAW MILL, SITUATED AT KRISHNAPURAM VILLAGE, MALLANUR PANCHAYAT, KUPPAMMANDAL, CHITTOOR DISTRICT R/O. 2- 68/1, KRISHNAPURAM VILLAGE, MALLANUR KUPPAM MANDAL, CHITTOOR DISTRICT ...PETITIONER AND 1. THE STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH, REP. BY ITS PRINCIPAL SECRETARY ENVIRONMENT, FOREST, SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT, SECRETARIAT BUILDINGS, VELAGAPUDI, AMARAVATI. 2. THE DIVISIONAL FOREST OFFICER, CHITTOOR, WEST DIVISION, CHITTOOR. 3. FOREST RANGE OFFICER, KUPPAM RANGE, CHITTOOR DISTRICT 4. THE ASST CONSERVATOR OF FORESTS, PALAMANER, CHITTOOR DISTRICT ...RESPONDENT(S): Counsel for the Petitioner: 1. T JANARDHAN RAO Counsel for the Respondent(S): 1. GP FOR FORESTS The Court made the following: ORDER: This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India with the following prayer for: “.... a Writ of Mandamus declaring the notices by the respondent No.2 wherein and whereunder directed the petitioner for shifting of M/s. Murugan Saw Mill, Krishnapuram Village, Mallanur Panchayat, Kuppam Mandal, Chittoor District as it is located within 5 Kms of forest area after lapse of 18 years is illegal, arbitrary and consequently set aside the above notices dated 22.6.2018 and 20.12.2018 by directing the respondents to continue the petitioner to run the said sawmill in the interest of justice.” 2. Heard Sri T.Janardhan Rao, learned counsel for the Petitioner and Ms.Baliboyina Sravani, learned Assistant Government Pleader for Forests. 2 3. Learned counsel for the Petitioner would submit that the Forest Department issued notices dated 22.06.2018 and 20.12.2018 directing the Petitioner for shifting of his sawmill M/s.Murugan Sawmill, Krishnapuram Village, Mallanur Panchayat, Kuppam Mandal, Chittoor District stating that it is located within the radius of 5 kms from Forest Area. Learned counsel would further submit that, initially after obtaining permission from the Forest Department only, the Petitioner has established the sawmill 18 years back. But, after 18 years, these notices have been issued. It is further submitted that the Petitioner has submitted his explanation to the notices which are pending consideration before the Respondents – Authorities. Learned counsel would finally submit that the petition may be disposed of directing the Respondents – Authorities to take a decision on the notices according to law. 4. Learned Assistant Government Pleader for Forests would submit that the petition may be disposed of directing the Respondents 3 and 4 to take a decision over the notices issued to the Petitioner, in accordance with law. 5. Recording the submissions made, the Writ Petition is disposed of. However, Respondents 3 and 4 are directed to take appropriate decision on the impugned notices issued to the Petitioner, according to governing Rules and Law. There shall be no order as to costs. As a sequel thereto, miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending shall stand closed. ________________________________________ Dr.JUSTICE VENKATA JYOTHIRMAI PRATAPA Date:06.08.2026 Dinesh 3 HON’BLE DR. JUSTICE VENKATA JYOTHIRMAI PRATAPA W.P.No.21342 of 2025 Dt.06.08.2026 Dinesh