Vetrikani v. The District Collector
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 16-06-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI Vetrikani ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The District Collector District Collector Officer, Thirupathur.
2. The District Revenue Officer, Thirupathur District, Thirupathur.
3. The Tasildhar, Thirupathur Taluk, Thirupathur.
4. The Block Development officer Thirupathur Block Development office, Thirupathur District.
5. Prabakaran ..Respondent(s) Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the 4th respondent to cancel the work under issued to the 5th respondent under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by considering and disposing the petitioners representations dated 19.08.2025 within a time frame as may be fixed by this Honble court For Petitioner(s):
Mr. P.Muthukumarasamy For Respondent(s):
Mr. M.Sivavarthanan, Government Counsel RR1 to 4
ORDER
This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the 4th respondent to cancel the work under issued to the 5th respondent under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by considering and disposing the petitioners representations dated 19.08.2025.
2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for the respondents.
3. The case of the petitioners is that the petitioner is the absolute coowner of the subject properties by virtue of a registered settlement deed dated 30.06.2025 executed by her father. The properties are situated at Andiyappanur Village, Thirupathur Taluk and District. Taking advantage of the petitioner's absene, an adjacent land owner illegally encroached the subject properties and put up unauthorised construction by fraudulently availing benefits under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. The said construction was not made in his own land but within the petitioner's property. Though a police complaint was lodged and CSR was registered, no effective action was taken. Subsequently, the petitioner submitted representations dated 19.08.2025 to the concerned authorities seeking removal of encroachment, cancellation of illegal benefits, and protection of her property. Despite receipt of the same, no action has been
taken. Hence, the present writ petition.
4. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that this Court may direct the respondents to consider and pass orders on the petitioner's representation dated 19.08.2025 within the stipuated time as fixed by this Court.
5. The learned counsel for the respondents raised a preliminary objection regarding the maintainability of the writ petiiton. It was submitted that the dispute essentially involves questions of title which is purely civil in nature. It was further contended that disputed questions of fact cannot be adjudicated in writ proceedings under Article 226.
6. This Court has carefully considered the rival submissions and perused the materials on record.
7. It is well settled that the High Court under Article 226 does not adjudicate disputed questions of fact or title. The jurisdiction under Article 226 cannot be invoked for cancellation of documents or declaration of title, which are remedies available before the competent civil Court. The relief sought for by the petitioner involves a civil dispute between the petitioner and the private respondent and possibly the local-body. The petitioner has to approach the competent civil court for getting appropriate remedy.
8. In view of the above, this Court is of the considered opinion that the present writ petition is not maintainable as the dispute is purely civil in nature and involves adjudication of disputed questions of fact and title.
9. Accordingly, the writ petition is dismissed as not maintainable. However, liberty is granted to the petitioner to approach the competent civil Court for appropriate reliefs, if so advised. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case. The civil Court shall decide the suit, if filed, on its own merits, uninfluenced by any observations made in this order. No costs.
16-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order rli
To
1. The District Collector District Collector Officer, Thirupathur
2. The District Revenue Officer, Thirupathur District, Thirupathur.
3. The Tasildhar, Thirupathur Taluk, Thirupathur.
4. The Block Development officer Thirupathur Block Development office, Thirupathur District.
M.DHANDAPANI, J.
rli 16-06-2026