P. Manikandan v. District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 08.04.2026 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR.SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN W.P. No.

13057 of 20 P.Manikandan, S/o.Perumal, No.29, Melveethi Maniyar Kundam Post Office, Chinna Kalrayan Malai, Vadakku Nadu Peththanayakkan Paliyam Taluk, Salem District, Pin Code - 636 138.

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Petitioner(s) Vs 1.District Collector, Office of District Collector, Salem - 636 138.

2.The District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Thalavaipatti Post Office, Salem - 636 302.

3.Block Development Officer, Peththanayakkan Palaiyam Taluk, Salem District.

4.Krishnan Sriramulu and Sriramulu Ranganathan, Sun India Hetcheris Private Ltd, Melveethi Maniyar Kundam Post Office,

Chinna Kalrayan Malai, Vadakku Nadu Peththanayakkan Paliyam Taluk, Salem District, Pin Code - 636 138.

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Respondent(s) PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus to direct the 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents to inspect the poultry hatchery operated by the 4th respondent situated in Survey No.591/2, 591/3, 593/2, 521/2, 529/1A, 528/1, 528/2, Maniyarkundam Village, Salem District, pursuant to petitioner representation dated 06.02.2026, verify whether the unit is operating with valid permissions and in compliance with environmental and pollution control laws, and take appropriate action in accordance with law including closure of the unit if violations are found, and pass orders.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.N.Saravanan For Respondent(s):Mr.M.Habeeb Rahman Government Advocate for R1 and R3 Mr.V.Gunasekar Standing Counsel for R2

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by G.ARUL MURUGAN, J.) Heard.

2. The writ petition is filed seeking to direct the respondents 1 to 3, to inspect the poultry hatchery operated by the 4th respondent in Survey Nos.591/2, 591/3, 593/2, 521/2, 529/1A, 528/1, 528/2, Maniyarkundam Village, Salem District, based on the petitioner's representation dated 06.02.2026 and take appropriate action.

3. According to the petitioner, the 4th respondent is operating a poultry hatchery in the name and style of 'Sun India Hatcheries Private Limited' and the operations of hatchery cause serious environmental pollution. Further, it is stated that due to improper disposal of poultry waste, it results in foul smells, breeding of flies and contamination of water bodies, which severely affects the residents of the village. It is also stated that the petitioner's residence is situated approximately within 500 meters from the poultry hatchery and in view of the health hazards, the petitioner has made repeated complaints and had sent a representation dated 06.02.2026 to the authorities. Since the representation did not evoke proper response, the petitioner has come forward with the present writ petition.

4. During the time of hearing, the learned counsel for the petitioner is not in a position to point out any irregularity or violation

of any statutory provision by the 4th respondent in operating the poultry hatchery. The learned counsel only contended that the operation of the poultry hatchery creates health hazards and the authorities are bound to take action.

5. In this regard, even from the documents filed by the petitioner, the communication of the 2nd respondent/Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board dated 18.11.2025 reveals that, pursuant to the complaint, the Assistant Engineer of the TNPCB had inspected the poultry hatchery on 13.11.2025 and they have sent certain advisories to the 4th respondent. Further, it is stated that the Board is continuously monitoring the operations of the poultry hatchery.

6. When already the complaint in respect of the hatchery run by the 4th respondent has been looked into and inspections have been carried out and the authorities are monitoring the same, and in the absence of the petitioner pointing out any violation in respect of any provisions under the relevant Act and Rules, nothing remains for further adjudication.

7. Accordingly, the writ petition stands dismissed. There shall be no order as to costs.

(SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN, J) 08.04.2026 Index :

Yes/No :

Yes/No sri To:

1.The District Collector, Office of District Collector, Salem - 636 138.

2.The District Environmental Engineer, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Thalavaipatti Post Office, Salem - 636 302.

3.The Block Development Officer, Peththanayakkan Palaiyam Taluk, Salem District.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,J.

sri W.P. No.

13057 of 20 08.04.2026