WP/42828/2026 of A.BASKAR Vs THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR on 16 October 2026

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed for the following reliefs:- “Directing the Respondent 1 to 3 to take immediate action following the petitioner representation dated 03.08.2026 under the Tamil Nadu Mines and Minerals Rules 1959 against the 4th respondent and prevent the continuation of illegal quarrying in Survey Number 296/6 measuring an extent of 0-6.00 hectare, situated at Kokkaladi Revenue Village, Thiruthuraipoondi Taluk, Tiruvarur District belonging to the 4th respondent herein.”

2. The petitioner would submit that he owns agricultural land measuring 67 cents in Survey No.301/6, purchased under a registered Sale Deed bearing Document No.1054 of 1997, and that his wife also owns agricultural lands in Survey Nos.259/10, 259/12, 257/17 and 259/13 at Kokkaladi Village.

WP No. 42828 of 2026

3. The petitioner would submit that the fourth respondent, who owns land in the same locality, has been illegally excavating and commercially removing sand from his agricultural land in Survey No.296/6 using heavy machinery, including JCBs and tippers, without obtaining the requisite quarrying permits, licences or environmental clearances from the competent authorities.

4. The petitioner would submit that the extensive excavation and creation of deep pits close to the boundaries of adjoining agricultural lands have threatened the stability of the surrounding lands, caused soil erosion and adversely affected groundwater resources, agricultural borewells, wells and standing crops. The petitioner apprehends that continued sand mining would cause irreversible environmental damage, affect the fertility of the adjoining agricultural lands and jeopardise the livelihood of the farming community.

5. The petitioner would submit that he submitted representations dated 03.08.2026 through Registered Post and on 29.09.2026 in person, along with other villagers, to the respondents 1 to 3 and the other concerned authorities, requesting immediate action against the alleged illegal sand mining activities. However, despite receipt of the representations, the authorities have neither conducted a proper enquiry nor taken effective steps to stop the alleged illegal mining operations.

WP No. 42828 of 2026

6. The petitioner would submit that the inaction of the official respondents, despite their statutory obligations under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, and the applicable Tamil Nadu mining rules, has enabled the fourth respondent to continue the alleged illegal activities, causing serious environmental and agricultural concerns. Hence, the petitioner is before this Court seeking the reliefs states supra.

7. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned SGP for respondents 1 to 3.

8. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the relief sought for by the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents 1 to 3 to consider and pass appropriate orders on the petitioner's representation 03.08.2026, on merits and in accordance with law, after giving an opportunity of personal hearing to all the interested parties, within a period of 2 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

9. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 16-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No SHR

WP No. 42828 of 2026

P.T.ASHA J. SHR To

1. The District Collector Tiruvarur District Tiruvarur

2. The Tahsildar Thiruthuraipoondi Tiruvarur District

3. The Assistant Director of Mines Office of the Assistant Director of Mines Tiruvarur WP No. 42828 of 2026 16-10-2026