Nagaveni Matheswaran v. The Commissioner

O R D E R Mr. V. Parthiban, learned Standing Counsel, accepts notice on behalf of respondents 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Mr. M. Sivavarthanan, learned Government Counsel, accepts notice on behalf of the 4th respondent. Page Nos.3/6

¶2The petitioners state that they are flower vendors who were carrying on business in the erstwhile V.O.C. Daily Flower Market at Ammapet, Salem. The said market was demolished and reconstructed under the Smart City Scheme. According to the petitioners, since the new V.O.C. Flower Market has now been constructed, they are entitled to allotment of shops therein in the light of the order passed by this Court on 27.04.2022 in W.P. No.7446 of 2020 and connected cases.

¶3By the said order, this Court directed the Commissioner, Salem City Municipal Corporation, to constitute a Committee comprising experts and officials to ensure that shops in the new market are allotted only to genuine farmers and vendors and that they are not exploited by middlemen or moneylenders.

¶4Learned counsel appearing for respondents 1 to 3 and 5 submitted that the Committee has already been constituted under the chairmanship of the 3rd respondent and that it will take an appropriate decision within the time that may be fixed by this Court. Page Nos.4/6

¶5Recording the above submission, the 6th respondent is directed to complete the enquiry regarding the identification of the genuine vendors and farmers of the erstwhile V.O.C. Daily Flower Market and submit a report for the purpose of allotment of shops in the newly constructed V.O.C. Flower Market within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶6Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition is closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

15.07.2026 Speaking / Non-speaking order Index : Yes / No mk Page Nos.5/6 To

¶1The Commissioner Salem City Municipal Corporation

¶2The Deputy Commissioner Salem City Municipal Corporation

¶3The Executive Engineer (Planning) / Chairman, Special Committee of Exports, Officials Salem City Municipal Corporation

¶4The Secretary, Municipal Administration Fort St.George, Chennai.

¶5The Assistant Commissioner Ammapettai Ward Office Corporation of Salem Salem – 636 003.

¶6The Chairman VOC Market Special Committee Page Nos.6/6 HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J., mk

15.07.2026 (2/2)

Page Nos.1/6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED : 15.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR and W.M.P.No.29730 of 2026 1. Nagaveni Matheswaran D/o.Krishnan 2. G.Thangavel S/o.Govindasamy ... Petitioners vs. 1. The Commissioner Salem City Municipal Corporation 2. The Deputy Commissioner Salem City Municipal Corporation 3. The Executive Engineer (Planning) / Chairman, Special Committee of Exports, Officials Salem City Municipal Corporation 4. The Secretary, Municipal Administration Fort St.George, Chennai. Page Nos.2/6 5. The Assistant Commissioner Ammapettai Ward Office Corporation of Salem Salem – 636 003. 6. The Chairman VOC Market Special Committee … Respondents Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to complete the enquiry process and allot shops in the new V.O.C. Market, Salem to the erstwhile farmers and vendors of the old VOC Market, Salem, including the petitioners herein. For Petitioners : Mr.Solaiappan .O For Respondents : Mr.V.Parthiban Standing Counsel, for R1 to R3, R5 and R6 Mr.M.Sivavarthanan Government Counsel, for R4 *****