Tmt.Ushadevi v. The Deputy Director,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 13-05-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MRS.JUSTICE L.VICTORIA GOWRI and W.M.P.No.20572 of 2026

1. Ushadevi D/o.Madhan

2. Annadurai, S/o.Chithambaram

3. M.Chandrasekar S/o.Murugesan

4. Nathiya W/o.Kamaraj

5. Subramani S/o.Periyasamy ..Petitioners Vs

1. The Deputy Director, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Inland Fisheries, Dharmapuri Region, Opp. Collectorate, Dharmapuri.

2. The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Board, Inland Fisheries, Krishnagiri.

3. The Block Development Officer, Panchayat Union Office, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri District.

4. FMR - 1 Kaveripattinam Paruvatha Rajakula Fishermen Cooperative Society, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri Taluk and District. Rep. by its Administrative Officer.

..Respondents

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 21.04.2026 and to allot the lease right for fishing in the "Ambattan Kuttai" (Tank) situated at Vilangamudi Village, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri Taluk and District for the period of five years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to the fourth respondent society in which the petitioners are members.

For Petitioners :

Mr.V.Elangovan For Respondents :

Mr.L.S.M.Hasan Fizal Additional Government Pleader [R1 to R3]

ORDER

W.M.P.No.20572 of 2026 filed seeking permission to the petitioners to join together and to file a single Writ Petition is ordered subject to payment of separate Court fee.

2. Seeking a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 21.04.2026 and to allot the lease right for fishing in the "Ambattan Kuttai" (Tank) situated at Vilangamudi Village, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri Taluk and District for the period of five years (2026-2027 to 2030-2031) to the fourth respondent society in which the petitioners are members in view of the fact that the petitioners could not carry the fishing activities in the lake for several months due to monsoon failure and heavy rain, this Writ Petition has been filed.

3. By consent, the Writ Petition itself is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

4. Heard Mr. V.Elangovan, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and Mr.L.S.M.Hasan Fizal, learned Additional Government Pleader, who has taken notice on behalf of the respondents 1 to 3.

5. Learned counsel for the petitioners would submit that the petitioners were previously granted lease rights for fishing in "Ambattan Kuttai" (Tank). However, the fourth respondent Society could not exercise those rights due to monsoon failure and heavy rains in subsequent years. Therefore, the petitioners argued that the lease rights for fishing in "Ambattan Kuttai" (Tank) should be extended to them for a further period of five years. In this regard, the petitioners have also submitted a representation dated 21.04.2026 to the respondents 1 to 3. Since the same has not been considered, the present writ petition has been filed.

6. Considering the limited scope of the prayer made in this Writ Petition and taking into consideration the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioners' representation dated 21.04.2026 and pass orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of four (4) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

L.VICTORIA GOWRI, J.

gm/gpa With the above direction, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. 13-05-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order gm/gpa To 1.The Deputy Director, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Inland Fisheries, Dharmapuri Region, Opp. Collectorate, Dharmapuri.

2.The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Board, Inland Fisheries, Krishnagiri.

3.The Block Development Officer, Panchayat Union Office, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri District.

4.The Administrative Officer, FMR - 1 Kaveripattinam Paruvatha Rajakula Fishermen Cooperative Society, Kaveripattinam, Krishnagiri Taluk and District.