P.Gaja vs District Collector And Ors

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the order passed by the 2nd respondent Tahsildar rejecting the petitioner's request to grant patta.

The grievance of the petitioner is that he is in possession and occupation of grama natham land in Survey No.590/4 (residential house) and 590/18 (vacant plot), at VOC Street, Baluchetty Chatram, Kancheepuram and the said land has been purchased by petitioner's wife on 23.04.1992. Thereafter, they are in possession and enjoyment of the property. Subsequently, they have made a representation to the respondents to grant patta in their favour. Now, by the impugned order dated 26.06.2020, the 2nd respondent Tahsildar rejected the request stating that the petitioner is already having patta in respect of punja land. Hence, he is not entitled for patta. Now, challenging the impugned order, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

The learned counsel appearing for petitioner would submit that the petitioner is in possession and enjoyment of grama natham land and he is entitled for patta for the same. He would submit that now, the petitioner is not asking for any free housesite, but the Tahsildar without conducting enquiry whatsoever has rejected the petitioner's claim only on the ground that he is having patta in respect of punja land. Hence, the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent is utter violation of principles of natural justice and the same is liable to be set aside.

The learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents would submit that the petitioner has only sought for patta in respect of grama natham land and as per the circular issued by the Commissioner of Land Administration, dated 07.08.2015, the Revenue Divisional Officer only has a power to consider the proposal subject to the scrutiny of District Revenue Officer. Hence, the petitioner cannot approach the Tahsildar seeking for patta in respect of grama natham land and he has also produced the copy of circular.

I have considered the rival submissions made by learned counsel appearing for petitioner as well as learned Government Advocate appearing for respondents and perused the records carefully.

Considering the submission made by the learned Addl. Government Pleader stating that, the granting of patta in respect of grama natham land, as per the said circular, the Revenue Divisional Officer is the competent authority to decide the issue and the Tahsildar has no jurisdiction to consider the application for granting of patta. Hence, the impugned order passed by the 2nd respondent is without jurisdiction and the same is liable to be set aside.

Considering the facts and circumstances, the petitioner is directed to file fresh application before the concerned Revenue Divisional Officer seeking for patta in respect of grama natham land and if any such application is filed, the Revenue Divisional Officer is directed to consider the petitioner's application and pass suitable orders on merits after giving opportunity to the petitioner within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of copy of such application. Accordingly, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.