M/S.Hides And Skins India Private Limited v. The Water Resources Department,

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 27-04-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE S. M. SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K. SURENDER and WMP N o . 22967 of M/s.Hides And Skins India Private Limited, Rep. by its Managing Director R.Balachandar, No.8H, Ramaniam Citadel Apartments, No.1, Panchali Amman Koil Street, Arumbakkam, Chennai-600 106.

..Petitioner Vs

1. The Water Resources Department, Rep. By Its Secretary to Government, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Greater Chennai Corporation, Rep. by its Commissioner, Ripon Building, Chennai-600 003.

3. The Commissioner of Land Administration, Ezhilagam, Chennai - 600 005.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Chennai South, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.

(R3 & R4 suo motu impleaded vide order dated 11.06.2025 made in WP.No.20378/2025) ..Respondent(s)

Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the 1st respondent from encroaching on the East Mada Street forming part of 'Srinagar Colony', Saidapet, Chennai. For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Jaganth for Mr.Abishek Jenasenan For Respondent(s):

Mr.T.Arunkumar, Addl. Govt. Pleader for R1, R3 and R4 Order (Order of the Court was made by S.M.Subramaniam J.) The Writ of Mandamus has been instituted to forebear the 1st respondent from encroaching on the East Mada Street forming part of "Srinagar Colony", Saidapet, Chennai.

2. The relief sought for in the Writ Petition in the nature of injunction is not maintainable. If at all the petitioner wants to establish any civil right, he has to approach the competent civil Court of law.

3. The status report filed by the Commissioner of Land Administration would show that the encroachments are identified in the water body.

4. The learned Additional Government Pleader would submit that under Section14A of Tamil Nadu Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Act, 1948 any patta granted in the water body stands cancelled with retrospective effect.

5. Therefore, the Authorities are bound to protect the water body in the interest of the public by removing the encroachments. If at all the petitioner has got any civil rights, it is for him to establish it in accordance with law.

6. With the above direction, this Writ Petition is dismissed. No costs. Consequently, the connected miscellaneous petition stands closed. (S.M.S.,J.) (K.S.,J.) 27-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DSA To

1. The Secretary to Government, Water Resources Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

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

3. The Commissioner of Land Administration, Ezhilagam, Chennai - 600 005.

4. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Chennai South, Guindy, Chennai - 600 032.

S.M.SUBRAMANIAM J.

AND K.SURENDER J.

DSA 27-04-2026