Saravanakumar v. The Additional Chief Secretary
Constitution of India, Article 226 – Writ of Certiorari – quarry permission
Case brief
What is this about?
Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, 22.04.2026 — W.P.(MD)No.7369 of 2026 (Saravanakumar v. Additional Chief Secretary & others, incl. M/s.Terraa Stones) — writ of certiorari against G.O.(3D) No.21 dated 17.09.2025 granting granite quarry permission (Dindigul district) dismissed. Key points: Rule 36 distance rule of the Tamil Nadu Mines and Minerals Concession Rules, 1959 applies only to stone quarries, not coloured/multi-coloured granite leases ('stone' definition excludes coloured granites); quarry within 22 meters of water body argument fails; no blasting — wire saw precision cutting method used; inhabited locality within 300 meters but no explosives; quarry lessee directed to comply with G.O. conditions. Statutes: Article 226 Constitution of India; Rule 36 TN Mines and Minerals Concession Rules 1959. No precedents cited.
What did the court decide?
No relief to the petitioner; Writ Petition dismissed with no costs; connected miscellaneous petitions (W.M.P.(MD)Nos.6043, 6044 & 6045 of 2026) closed; 6th respondent directed to strictly abide by the conditions imposed in the impugned G.O.