Abs Xpress Private LTD. vs. The Plant Protection Advisor
Facts
The petitioner, ABS Xpress Private Ltd., filed a writ petition seeking a mandamus directing the respondents (Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage and Airport Authority of India) to post Plant Quarantine officials at the Madurai International Airport. The petitioner sought this relief to ensure proper functioning of the Plant Quarantine Station. The respondents are the relevant government authorities responsible for plant quarantine services and airport operations. The writ petition was filed seeking a directive for the posting of officials, implying a lack of adequate staffing at the station.
Held
The Court noted the submission from both sides that Plant Quarantine officials have indeed been posted at the Plant Quarantine Station in Madurai International Airport. Consequently, the Court found that no further adjudication was required on the grounds raised in the writ petition. The Court recorded this submission and closed the writ petition. However, it granted liberty to the petitioner to approach the concerned Authority with a fresh representation if any deficiencies were still observed. No costs were imposed. The connected miscellaneous petition was also closed.
Key Issues
1. Whether the Court should issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to post Plant Quarantine officials at the Madurai International Airport, as per Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The petitioner argued for the necessity of having Plant Quarantine officials posted at the airport to facilitate their business operations, which likely involve the import/export of goods requiring quarantine clearance. The petitioner sought a directive to ensure the presence of these officials. The respondents, through their counsel, submitted that Plant Quarantine officials have now been posted at the Madurai International Airport. This submission effectively mooted the primary prayer of the petitioner, as the action sought by the writ petition had already been undertaken.
AI-generated summary — verify with the full judgment below
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 20.09.2022 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE R.MAHADEVAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE J.SATHYA NARAYANA PRASAD and W.M.P.(MD) No.10999 of 2018 ABS Xpress Private Ltd., Rep. by its Director – Operations S.A.Seyeed Office at Kajamiyan Building Mannarpuram Trichy-20 ... Petitioner -vs- 1.The Plant Protection Advisor Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine & Storage Ministry of Agriculture NH-4, Faridabad Hariyana-121 001 2.The Joint Director (PQ) Directorate of Plant Protection Quarantine & Storage Ministry of Agriculture NH-4, Faridabad Hariyana-121 001 ____________ https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis
The Regional Director (PQ) Regional Plant Quarantine Station GST Road, Near Trident Hotel Meenambakkam, Chennai-600 027 4.The Director Airport Authority of India Madurai Airport Madurai ... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a writ of mandamus directing the 1st to 3rd respondents to post Plant Quar
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