R.Saravanan v. The Tahsildar
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 23-01-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE S. M. SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN R.Saravanan S/o. Ramachandran, 6/217-a, Chinna Kadai Street, Ottakudi East, Primary Agricultural Cooperative Society, Kulikkarai, Tiruvarur District, Tamil Nadu-614713 ..Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Tahsildar Tiruvarur Taluk,
2. Assistant Engineer (water Resource Department) Vennar Irrigation Division No.1, Tiruvarur.
3. Assistant Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Construction (m) Maintenance, Tiruvarur.
4. Public Works Department Tiruvarur ..Respondent(s) directing the 2nd and 3rd and 4th Respondents to act on the communication letter issued by the 1st Respondent in Na.Ka.3032/2022/Aa2 dated 19.07.2023 and construct a 300-Meter-Long drainage system in edge of the roads in S.Nos. 86/0 and 48/3 Perutharakudi and Kullikarai Villages, Tiruvarur District, within a time frame set by this Honble Court
For Petitioner(s):
Mr.Mohammed Faizal A For Respondent(s):
Mr.A.Selvendran, Sgp For RR 1 To 4.
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by S.M.Subramaniam J.) Writ of Mandamus has been instituted to direct the respondents 3 and 4 to act on the communication letter issued by the 1st respondent in proceedings dated 19.07.2023 and construct a 300 meter long drainage system in edge of the roads in S.Nos. 86/0 and 48/3 Perutharakudi and Kullikarai Villages, Tiruvarur District.
2. Perusal of the letter dated 19.07.2023 would show that it is an inter departmental communication sent by the Tahsildar, Thiruvar to the Assistant Engineer, (Water Resources Organisation), Vennar Irrigation Division No.1, Tiruvarur. Construction of drainage system is a policy decision to be taken by the competent authority. Based on the request of the petitioner and some other persons and in view of the order passed by the High Court in W.P.No.9472 of 2022, the Tahsildar, Tiruvarur, addressed a letter to the Assistant Engineer, Water Resource Organisation. Inter departmental communication between the authorities would not provide any cause for institution of writ petition. The High Court, in exercise of power of judicial review cannot direct the Government to approve a policy regarding construction of drainage system. It is for the appropriate authority of the
government to take a decision, since it involves financial implication and public interest and expert report is to be obtained. There are several procedures which are to be following for implementation of public related project. Therefore, such nature of writ petitions deserve no merits consideration. However, if at all there is any grievance of the people in that locality for construction of drainage system, the authorities have to look into the same for public interest.
3. With the above observation, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.
(S.M.S.,J.) (C.K.,J.) 23-01-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order VSI To
1. The Tahsildar Tiruvarur Taluk,
2. Assistant Engineer (water Resource Department) Vennar Irrigation Division No.1, Tiruvarur.
3. Assistant Divisional Engineer Highways Department, Construction (m) Maintenance, Tiruvarur.
4. Public Works Department Tiruvarur
S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.
AND C.KUMARAPPAN, J.
VSI 23-01-2026 5.