Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, M. Nagasamy, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. He sought a writ of mandamus directing the first respondent, the District Revenue Officer (DRO), Sivagangai, to dispose of his appeal dated 06.02.2025 concerning an error in the UDR (Updating of Land Revenue Records) scheme for his property bearing Survey No. 114/8 in Aranaiyur Village, Ilayangudi Taluk, Sivagangai District. The petitioner had earlier submitted a representation to the Tahsildar on 07.12.2024, but it was forwarded to the DRO, the competent authority, through the Revenue Divisional Officer. The appeal remained pending. The petitioner approached the High Court seeking a limited prayer for expeditious disposal. The respondents, represented by the Additional Government Pleader, did not object. The court, noting that the appeal was filed only on 06.02.2025 and considering the limited nature of the relief, directed the first respondent to dispose of the appeal on merits and in accordance with law within four months from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. No costs were awarded. The writ petition was disposed of accordingly.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ of Mandamus - Expeditious Disposal of Pending Appeal - Constitution of India, 1950, Article 226 - The petitioner filed an appeal on 06.02.2025 before the District Revenue Officer seeking rectification of an error in the UDR scheme for his property. He then approached the High Court under Article 226 for a mandamus to direct expeditious disposal. Considering the limited relief sought and the recent filing of the appeal, the court directed the first respondent to dispose of the appeal on merits and in accordance with law within four months from the date of receipt of the order copy. Held that a direction for expeditious disposal is appropriate even without inordinate delay on the part of the authority. (Paras 1-4).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the High Court should direct the first respondent to dispose of the petitioner's appeal regarding UDR correction within a time frame.
Final Decision
The writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent (District Revenue Officer) to dispose of the petitioner's appeal on merits and in accordance with law within four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs.
Law Points
- Writ of mandamus may be issued to direct a public authority to dispose of a pending appeal expeditiously
- even absent delay
- to ensure timely justice
