N.Rajendiran v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 16-06-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY AND WMP NO. 22422 OF 2026 N.Rajendiran S/o. G. Narasima Chetty, No.175 Reedy Street, Ayal Village and Post, Ranipet District -631 102 ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector Ranipet District, Ranipet
2. The District Revenue Officer Ranipet Division, Ranipet
3. The Tahsildar
4. The Village Administrative Officer Ayal Village and post,
5. The President Ayal Village, and post, Sholingur Taluk, Sholingur -631 102 ..Respondent(s)
Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus seeking direction to the 1st to 4th Respondents consider the petitioners representation dated 12.05.2026 forbearing the 5th respondent from interfering with the petitioners peaceful possession and enjoyment in S.No.275/A Ayal Village, Sholingur Taluk, Ranipet District For Petitioner(s):
Mr.M.Abdul Kareem For Respondent(s):
Mr.B.Pachaiyappan, Government Counsel Order This writ petition has been filed to direct the respondents 1 to 4 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.05.2026, forbearing the 5th respondent from interfering with the petitioners peaceful possession and enjoyment.
2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the co-owner of the property in S.F.No.275/A, Ayal Village, Sholingur Taluk, Ranipet District, measuring an extent of 1 acre, vide Sale Deed dated 21.06.1982. The said property is an ''L''-shaped parcel of land and the same is the absolute private patta land of the petitioner and the same was not enclosed by a fence or compound wall. Hence, the general public started using a portion of the petitioner's patta land as a pathway. However, the respondents taking advantage of the same, are now attempting to unlawfully occupy and convert
the petitioner's patta land into a public road/pathway without following due process of law. Hence, the petitioner made representation to the authorities. Since the said representation was not considered, the petitioner approached this Court by filing W.P.No.39160 of 2025, wherein this Court, vide order dated 17.10.2025, directed the 2nd respondent therein to conduct enquiry on the representation after issuance of notice to the parties concerned. Despite the specific directions issued by this Court, the respondents have failed to conduct enquiry within the stipulated time. Taking advantage of the inaction on the part of the official respondents, the 5th respondent unlawfully commenced construction to form a road on the petitioner's patta land. Consequently, the petitioner made another representation dated 12.05.2026. Since the said representation also yielded no response, the petitioner has approached this Court.
3. In reply, the learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that the respondents are currently in the process of conducting the enquiry and have not yet concluded the same. He further submitted that before the conclusion of the enquiry ordered by this Court, the petitioner had submitted the subsequent representation.
4. Heard both sides and also perused the materials available on record.
5. Under such circumstances, the fifth respondent is bound to await the completion of the enquiry. Accordingly, this Court directs the fifth respondent not to proceed with any further construction or road formation until the completion of the enquiry. If the enquiry reveals that the land in question is the private patta land of the petitioner, the respondents shall not form any pathway without formally acquiring the land in accordance with law and upon payment of appropriate compensation to the petitioner. Until the completion of the enquiry and determination of rights, there shall be an order of status quo to be maintained by all parties.
6. This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above directions. No costs. Consequently connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 16-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK To
1. The District Collector Ranipet District, Ranipet
2. The District Revenue Officer Ranipet Division, Ranipet
3. The Tahsildar
4. The Village Administrative Officer Ayal Village and post,
5. The President Ayal Village, and post, Sholingur Taluk, Sholingur -631 102
KRISHNAN RAMASAMY J.
sk AND WMP NO. 22422 OF 2026 16-06-2026