Shanmugam v. The Block Development Officer
Case brief
What is this about?
Poultry-farm relocation notice by a Block Development Officer quashed via Certiorari under Article 226 (Madras High Court, Madurai Bench; W.P.(MD)No.8501 of 2026; Hemant Chandangoudar, J.; decision 16.04.2026). Key terms: violation of principles of natural justice - no show cause notice issued, copy of inspection report not furnished; first respondent lacked statutory authority to take coercive steps; no permission required to run a poultry farm; foul-smell complaint by nearby resident Parimala; action left to competent authority under the Public Health Act; notice ref Na.Ka.A2.0009/2025 dated 04.03.2025; Kolakudi Village, Thottiyam Taluk/Panchayat Union, Trichy/Tiruchirappalli District; petitioner Shanmugam; advocates V.Vishnu (petitioner) and PB.Ahamed Yasmin Parvin, Government Advocate (R1); connected W.M.P(MD)No.6880 of 2026 closed; no orders as to costs.
What did the court decide?
Impugned notice dated 04.03.2025 issued by the first respondent set aside; liberty given to the competent authority under the Public Health Act to take appropriate action in accordance with law after providing an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner; no orders as to costs; connected miscellaneous petition (W.M.P(MD)No.6880 of 2026) closed.