Quick Summary: A land dispute in Madurai involving the S.Melapatti Nadar Uravinmurai society and the District Revenue Officer has been sent back for reconsideration. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy found issues with the process and ordered a fresh review.
The petitioner, S.Melapatti Nadar Uravinmurai, a registered society, claims ownership of a property in Sandhaiyur Village, Madurai. They say the land, measuring 7 acres and 74 cents, should be recorded in their name. However, a decision from the District Revenue Officer dated August 23, 2024, changed the records to show a different status.
The society, represented by its President Durai Kalidasan, argued that they never received a notice about the change. The court documents mention that the decision did not discuss how the notice was delivered or if it was received by the society.
“The petitioner did not appear,” the decision noted, but the petitioner claims they weren't informed.
The Government Advocate stated that a notice was sent to Marisamy, the President of the society. However, the inquiry notice showed that it was received by S. Paramasivam, the fourth person involved, not the petitioner.
Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy found that the process was unfair because the society didn’t receive proper notice. He canceled the previous decision and directed the District Revenue Officer to reconsider the case. Both parties are to be given a fair chance to present their sides.
“On the ground of breach of principles of natural justice, the impugned order cannot be sustained,” the judge remarked.
The case is now back with the District Revenue Officer. They have twelve weeks to make a new decision after hearing from both the society and S. Paramasivam. Until then, the current status of the land records will remain unchanged.
The court's decision emphasizes the need for proper notification and a fair hearing in legal matters.
