David Manohar v. District Disaster Management Authority

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 25.10.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN David Manohar : Petitioner Vs 1.The District Disaster Management Authority Rep. by Chairperson District Collector Chengalpattu Grand Southern Trunk Rd Chengalpattu Venbakkam Tamil Nadu 603 111 2.Government of Tamil Nadu Rep. by Principal Secretary Secretariat, Fort St.George Chennai 09 3.The Water Resource Department - (PWD) Chennai rep. by Principal Secretary Fort St.George, Chennai 09 : Respondents Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to consider the representations dated 1.08.2025 submitted to all the respondents within the time limit stipulated by this Honble court by removing the encroachments on the three canals at Chrompet and Pallavaram Commencing from GST road thus facilitating rain water drainage and avoid flooding in the Pallavaram Taluk.

For Petitioner :

Ms.Y.Kavitha for M/s.P.V.S.Giridhar Associates

For Respondents :

Mr.K.Karthik Jagannath, Government Advocate

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) The issue which has been raised in this petition, filed as public interest litigation, essentially revolves around the widespread encroachments and water logging.

2. Affidavit now filed states that proceedings for eviction have already been initiated against 81 identified encroachers.

3. In view of the above development, and what has been stated in the reply, we are convinced that the respondent authorities have initiated action to bring it to its logical conclusion at the earliest.

4. We also direct the respondents to complete the process as early as possible and those who are found to be encroachers be removed. That would eventually take care of other problems also, which are arising mainly on account of encroachments.

5. The proceedings should be concluded within a period of four months in respect of all 81 persons to whom notices have been issued.

6. The writ petition stands disposed of. There will be no order as to costs.

(MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ.) (G.ARUL MURUGAN, J.) 25.10.2025 Index : Yes/No : Yes/No tar To 1.The Chairperson / District Collector District Disaster Management Authority Chengalpattu Grand Southern Trunk Road Chengalpattu, Venbakkam, Tamil Nadu 603 111 2.The Principal Secretary Secretariat, Fort St.George, Chennai 09 3.The Principal Secretary Water Resource Department - (PWD) Chennai Fort St.George, Chennai 09

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN , J.

(tar) 25.10.2025