Judgment :- Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned counsels appearing for the respondents. 2. At this stage of the hearing of the writ petition, the learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner has submitted that it would suffice, if the first respondent is directed to consider and dispose of the application, dated 11.07.2003, submitted with Form No.1, prescribed by Rule 5 and Section 3(1)(b) of the Tamil Nadu Hill Areas (Preservation of Trees) Act 1955, on merits, within a specified period. 3. The learned counsels appearing on behalf of the respondents, has no objection for such an order being passed by this Court. 4. In view of the submissions made by the learned counsels appearing on either side, the first respondent is directed to consider and dispose of the application, dated 11.07.2003, on merits and in accordance with law, after giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner, within a period of 12 weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The petitioner is directed to furnish a copy of the application, dated 11.07.2003, to the first respondent, along with a copy of this order. However, it is made clear that this Court, by this order, has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the matter. The writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected M.P is closed.