Madras High CourtWP/15420/2025disposed of

S.Doraisamy v. State Of Tamil Nadu

2025-06-26Honourable Mrs.Justice N. Mala6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 26.06.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE N.MALA S.Doraisamy ... Petitioner -vs1.State of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Principal Secretary to Government, Highways and Minor Ports Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

2.The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Building, Chennai - 600 003.

3.The Mayor, Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Building, Chennai - 600 003.

4.Mr.K.N.Nehru, Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban & Water Supply, State of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009.

5.The District Revenue Officer, Land and Property Department, Greater Chennai Corporation, Amma Maligai, Chennai - 600 003.

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6.The Zonal Officer, Zone-5, Greater Chennai Corporation, Chennai - 600 021.

(R4 deleted as per the memo filed by the petitioner in W.P.No.15420 of 2025 by NMJ) ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, pleased to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 19.02.2025 and remove the letter E.V.R and rename the Poonamalle High Road (Grand Western Trunk Road)as Periyar High Road in Chennai in all official records in the light of the letter of the fifth respondent in Ni.Ma.Uv.Thu.Na.Ka.No.LE1/395/2025 dated 12.03.2025 communicated to the petitioner. For Petitioner : Mr.V.Elangovan For Respondent 1 : Mr.J.Ravindran, Additional Advocate General Assisted by, M/s.P.Aishwarya, Government Advocate For Respondents 2 to 5 : M.Suresh Kumar, Additional Advocate General Assisted by, Mr.S.Gopinathan, Standing Counsel 2/6

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 19.02.2025 and remove the letter E.V.R and rename the Poonamalle High Road (Grand Western Trunk Road)as Periyar High Road in Chennai in all official records in the light of the letter of the fifth respondent in Ni.Ma.Uv.Thu.Na.Ka.No.LE1/395/2025 dated 12.03.2025 communicated to the petitioner.

2. The Petitioner, a practising advocate since 1970 and an ardent follower of social reformer Periyar E.V.Ramasamy, challenges the continued usage of the name "E.V.R Periyar Road" for the road formerly known as Poonamallee High Road in Chennai. He states that the road was officially renamed as "Periyar High Road" in 1979 by then Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran to honour Periyar. However, the current usage of "E.V.R. Periyar" on signboards is alleged to distort the title and insult the legacy of Periyar. The petitioner made a representation on 19.02.2025 requesting removal of the prefix "E.V.R." and renaming it correctly as "Periyar High 3/6

Road". Despite the fifth respondent being directed to send a report on the issue, no further action was taken. Aggrieved by the inaction, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.

3. Though many grounds have been raised in this writ petition, learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice if this Court issues direction to the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 19.02.2025, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

4. Learned Additional Advocate Generals appearing for the respondents has no objection for the said order being passed by this Court.

5. Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials available on record.

6. When the matter was listed for hearing on 29.04.2025, this Court directed the petitioner to file a fresh memo. In compliance of the same, the petitioner has filed a memo dated 30.04.2025, wherein it is stated that " 4/6

certain portion in para 5, Pg.No.11 of his affidavit beginning from 'some persons' (line 7 from bottom) and first line in pg.No.12 may be deleted. Further, the respondent 4 may be given up".

7. Considering the limited relief sought for by the learned counsel for the petitioner, this Court without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the petitioner's representation dated 19.02.2025 on merits, in accordance with law and pass appropriate orders within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

8. This writ petition is disposed of with the aforesaid observation and direction. No costs.

26.06.2025 smn/vm Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Note: Registry is directed to carryout the necessary amendments. N.MALA, J.

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smn/vm To 1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Highways and Minor Ports Department, Secretariate, Chennai - 600 009.