Document Fragment View

Matching Fragments

3. The learned Single Judge, after considering the rival contentions raised on either side, has passed the impugned order, wherein in paragraph No.37, it is observed as follows:

"37. In these circumstances, the second respondent Registrar General is directed to place the matter before the Honourable Chief Justice for appropriate orders for placing the matter relating to realignment of jurisdiction of Munsif Court at Rameswaram before the Administrative Committee No.4 as expeditiously as possible for its decision and in any event, not later than thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. In the meantime, as stated above, status-quo shall continue and the Mandapam Firka people shall approach the District Munsif Court, Rameswaram, till the decision is taken one way or other, by the Administrative Committee No.4."

Against the observation/direction given by the learned Single Judge, the present Writ Appeal has been preferred, at the instance of the second respondent, as appellant.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the appellant/second respondent has contended to the effect that in pursuance of the observation/direction given by the learned Single Judge, a meeting of Administrative Committee has been convened, wherein it is resolved to prefer an appeal against the observation/direction of the learned Single Judge and accordingly, the present appeal has been filed and further, originally Mandapam Firka has been annexed with the District Munsif Court, Ramanathapuram and after formation of District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram, the same has been detached from the jurisdiction of District Munsif Court Ramanathapuram and attached to the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram and to that effect necessary orders have been passed and in pursuance of the same, the Tamil Nadu Government has published Gazette No.26, dated 07.07.2010 and the learned Single Judge, without considering the circumstances under which Mandapam Firka has been annexed with the District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram, has erroneously given such kind of observation/direction and therefore, the observation/direction given by the learned Single Judge is liable to be set aside.

5. Per contra, the learned counsel appearing for respondents 1 and 2/petitioners has also equally contended that originally Mandapam Firka has been annexed with the District Munsif Court Ramanathapuram and after formation of District Munsif-cum- Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram, Mandapam Firka has been annexed with the same, without following due procedure and also even without having consultation with the District Collector. Under the said circumstances, respondents 1 and 2/petitioners have challenged the Gazette Notification, dated 07.07.2010, and the learned Single Judge, has rightly given direction, but the same has not been carried out by the Registrar of High Court and therefore, the present writ appeal deserves to be dismissed.

6. It is seen from the records that Mandapam Firka is originally within the territorial jurisdiction of District Munsif Court, Ramanathapuram and after formation of District Munsif-cum- Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram, the same has been detached from the jurisdiction of District Munsif Court, Ramanathapuram and attached to District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram and to that effect, the Government Gazette Notification, dated 07.07.2010, has been issued.

7. It is also seen from the records that Mandapam Firka is situate just 18 kms away from Rameswaram; whereas, Ramanathapuram is situate 38 kms away from Mandapam Firka. Considering the geographical situation, this Court is of the considered view that the general public of Mandapam Firka will be getting more benefits if the same is attached to District Munsif-cum-Judicial Magistrate Court, Rameswaram. Further, it is seen from the representation made on the side of the appellant that all criminal matters emanated from Mandapam Firka are being tried only by the Court of Rameswaram. Therefore, viewing from any angle, the Gazette Notification, dated 07.07.2010, does not suffer from any infirmity, even for the sake of argument if there is any procedural irregularities in passing the same.