High Court of Madras Hears Challenge to Rejection of Land Use Conversion Application Under Tamil Nadu Change of Land Use Rules, 2017. Petitioner Sought Quashing of Panchayat President's Order Dated 25.04.2024 and Direction to Forward Application Under Rule 4.

Writ of certiorari and mandamus challenging the Panchayat President's order dated 25.04.2024 and seeking direction to forward the petitioner's application for land use conversion.

Quashing of the proceedings of the first respondent dated 25.04.2024 and a direction to the first respondent to forward the petitioner's application under Rule 4 of the Tamil Nadu Change of Land Use Rules, 2017.

The petitioner's application for conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural use was not acted upon or forwarded by the Panchayat President despite the petitioner obtaining required no-objection certificates.

Whether the proceedings of the Panchayat President dated 25.04.2024 are legally sustainable. Whether the petitioner is entitled to a mandamus directing the first respondent to forward his land use conversion application under Rule 4 of the Tamil Nadu Change of Land Use Rules, 2017. Whether the petitioner had complied with all necessary prior approvals and objections from neighbouring land owners.

Petitioner contended that he had obtained no-objection certificates from the Fire and Rescue Service and Pollution Control Board, and all necessary documents were submitted, but no action was taken on his application. Impleaded respondents (neighbouring agriculturists) argued that land conversion would adversely affect agricultural activities in the locality and that the petitioner had not obtained prior approval from the Panchayat or concurrence from the District Collector and Director of Town and Country Planning. Government authorities referred to the procedural requirements under Section 47A of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, and a Government Order, opposing the petition.

The proceedings of the 1st respondent/President, Manmalai Panchayat Union, Sentharapatti Post, Gingavalli Taluk, Salem District dated 25.04.2024 is sought to be assailed in the present writ petition. The petitioner states that he is the owner of the land measuring to an extent of 6.31 acres situated at Modakkupatti Village and has applied for conversion of agricultural land to non-agricultural purposes in non-planning areas. The learned counsel for the petitioner mainly contended that the petitioner has obtained necessary certificates from the competent authorities, including no objection certificates from Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board. The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the impleaded respondents 6 to 12 would submit that the impleaded respondents are neighbouring land owners utilising their lands for agricultural purposes. In the event of granting permission for converting agricultural land to non-agricultural land would affect the agricultural activities in that locality. It is further contended that the petitioner had not obtained prior approval from the Panchayat, nor concurrence from the District Collector and Director of Town and Country Planning. Mr.T.Chandrasekaran, learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents 3 to 5 would oppose by stating that the procedures as contemplated under Section 47A of the Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971, and the Government order passed in G.O.Ms.No...

The petitioner filed the writ petition seeking to quash the Panchayat President's order dated 25.04.2024 and direction to forward his application under Rule 4. Respondents 6 to 12 were impleaded as neighbouring land owners. The court heard arguments from all sides. The final order text is not provided in the excerpt.

• Tamil Nadu Change of Land Use (From Agriculture to Non-Agriculture Purposes in Non-Planning Areas) Rules, 2017: Rule 4
• Tamil Nadu Town and Country Planning Act, 1971: Section 47A