Madras High CourtWP/21292/2026disposed of

K.Bhagyalakshmi v. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited

2026-06-12Honourable Mr Justice Krishnan Ramasamy6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 12-06-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY and WMP.No. 23034 of 2026 K.Bhagyalakshmi W/o. Karunanidhi, No. 6/540 12th Main Road, Chinnakovilambakkam, Kovilambakkam 600 117 ..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Rep. by its Managing Director, No. 327, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.

2. Special District Revenue officer (LAO), Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.

..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of writ of certiorarified mandamus, calling for the records of the 2nd respondent pertaining to impugned notice bearing Rc. No 993/ CMRL/ LAO/ C5-40/ 2026 dated 20.05.2026 issued by the 2nd respondent and quash the same and consequently direct the respondents to grant a period 2 months to the petitioner to vacate the petitioner's property comprised in New S.No. 186/15A, Door No.2/803, 12th Street, Medavakkam Main Road, Kovilambakkam, Chennai - 600 117.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Richardson Wilson For Respondent(s):

Mr.B.Pachaiyappan Government Counsel for R2 Mr.B.Vijay for R1

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed challenging the impugned order dated 20.05.2026 issued by the 2nd respondent, directing the petitioner to vacate and hand over possession of the subject property on or before 31.05.2026 and for a direction to the respondents to grant a period of two months to the petitioner to vacate the property comprised in New No.186/15A, Door No.2/803, 12th Street, Medavakkam Main Road, Kovilambakkam, Chennai - 600 117.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the petitioner is the absolute owner of the subject property measuring an extent of 1884 Sq.ft and is carrying on business. While so, the respondents initiated acquisition proceedings under the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997 for the Phase-II of Metro Rail project and an award dated 11.11.2025 was passed by the respondent and the amount has been paid to the petitioner. The learned counsel would further submit that though the petitioner undertaking to vacate the premises on or before 30.06.2026 by virtue of an affidavit dated 09.03.2026, due to demise of the petitioner's husband on

25.02.2026, the petitioner is not in a position to make suitable steps to vacate the premises. Hence, the petitioner filed this writ petition requesting two more months time period to vacate the premises.

3. The learned counsel for the official respondents strongly resisted the submission made on behalf of the petitioner citing reason that she is going against the affidavit filed on 09.03.2026. However, after instructions, he would submit that strictly the petitioner shall vacate and handover possession of the property on or before 31.07.2026 as the impugned notice was passed to vacate the premises on or before 31.05.2026.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the respondents and perused the material available on record.

5. Though an undertaking affidavit was filed on 09.03.2026 for the purpose of vacating the premises on or before 30.06.2026, the present impugned notice was issued on 20.05.2026 to vacate the premises on or before 31.05.2026. Since it is stated that due to the demise of the petitioner's husband, the petitioner is unable to take steps to vacate the premises, this Court granted time to the petitioner to vacate and hand over the premises on or before 31.07.2026. In the event if the petitioner is not vacated on or before 31.07.2026, the respondents can initiate action to evict the petitioner from the

premises after 31.07.2026 without any further orders from this Court. It is made clear that no further extension of time will granted to the petitioner and, she has to strictly comply with the order of this Court and vacate the premises within the time as stated above.

6. In view of the above directions, the respondents are directed to keep the impugned notice issued by the 2nd respondent dated 20.05.2026 in abeyance till 31.07.2026.

7. This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above terms. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 12-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order KKN

1. The Managing Director, Chennai Metro Rail Limited, No. 327, Anna Salai, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.

2. Special District Revenue officer (LAO), Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.

KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J.

KKN 12-06-2026