R.Chellapandi v. The Assistant Director
Writ of Mandamus under Article 226 – Development charges
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras HC (Madurai Bench), W.P.(MD)No.13980 of 2026, 01.06.2026, Hemant Chandangoudar J. Mandamus compelling Town Panchayat Executive Officer to issue demand notice for development charges after layout approval dated 23.09.2022 (Proc. Na.Ka.No.100/2022/th.Ma.2); pendency of civil suit over the property not, by itself, a ground to withhold demand notice absent injunction/restraint order; six-week timeline from 24.04.2026 representation; development subject to civil suit outcome; Theni District; Article 226.
What did the court decide?
Writ petition disposed of with a direction to the second respondent to issue the requisite demand notice calling upon the petitioner to pay the development charges pursuant to the petitioner's representation dated 24.04.2026, within a period of six weeks from receipt of a copy of the order; upon depositing the development charges, the petitioner is preserved with liberty to develop the land in conformity with the approved layout plan; such action to remain subject to the outcome of the pending civil suit; no order as to costs.