WP/41318/2026 of MASANAM Vs THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR on 14 October 2026

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed for the following relief : “directing the first respondent, namely the District Collector, Tiruvallur District, to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s representation dated 16.09.2026, after affording the petitioner a reasonable opportunity of hearing, and consequently direct the competent authorities to take appropriate action regarding the removal of the seal / lock and reopening of the petitioner’s grocery and vegetable shop under the name of style and “Aruna Devi Store”, in accordance with law and subject to such conditions as may be imposed by the competent authority.”

2. With the consent of the learned counsel on either side, this writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3. The petitioner submits that he has been carrying on a grocery and vegetable business under the name and style of “Aruna Devi Store” at Mannurpet, Ambattur, for the past 20 years and that the same is his principal source of livelihood. He alleges that, owing to personal enmity, a neighbour

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made false complaints against him, pursuant to which the officials of the Food Safety Department sealed his shop on 09.09.2026 without furnishing any order or affording him an opportunity to explain his position. Despite his representation dated 14.09.2026 to the District Collector, Tiruvallur District, the shop remains sealed. Hence, the petitioner has approached this Court seeking a direction to remove the seal and permit him to reopen and carry on his business in accordance with law.

4. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

5. The shop has been locked without notice. It appears to be a third offence on the part of the petitioner. The grievance of the petitioner is that the shop has been now locked without any notice to him. Admittedly, it has been so locked, however, taking note of the fact that the petitioner appears to be a repeated offender, this writ petition is disposed of with the following directions :

(i) The shop shall remain sealed.

(ii) The petitioner shall submit an explanation to the second respondent. The second respondent shall thereafter, after affording him an opportunity of personal hearing, pass speaking orders within a period of three weeks from the date of his explanation.

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(iii) It is made clear that, in case the shop contains perishable commodities, the petitioner shall be permitted to remove those properties from the shop in the presence of the Inspector of Police. The petitioner shall be permitted to go this evening and Mr.J.V.Sakthi Balakrishnan, learned Government Advocate for respondents 1 and 2 shall instruct the local Police Station to do the same. No costs. 14-10-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order : Yes/No Neutral Citation: Yes/No rap

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To

1. The District Collector, Thiruvallur District Collector Office, Tiruvallur District, Tiruvallur - 602 001.

2. The Food Safety Officer, Food Safety Department, Tiruvallur District, Tiruvallur - 602 001.

3. The Inspector of Police, Ambattur Industrial Estate Police Station, Tiruvallur District.

4. The Public Prosecutor, High Court, Madras.

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P.T.ASHA, J. rap WP No. 41318 of 2026 14-10-2026