Meenakshi Narayanan Memorial Educational Charity Trust v. State Of Tamil Nadu
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED : 04.11.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN Meenakshi Narayana Memorial Educational Charity Trust, rep. by Its Managing Trustee, Mrs.Nalini Unni, Having its registered office at "Karthika" Old No.61/New No.146, Kamaraj Avenue, 11 Street, Extension, Adyar, Chennai - 600 020.
.. Petitioner Vs.
1.State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by Additional Secretary to Government, Fort St. George, Chennai.
2.Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, Rep. by its Managing Director, 5, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.
3.The Commissioner, Corporation of Chennai, Chennai.
4.The Zonal Officer, Zone 15, Sholinganallur, Corporation of Chennai.
.. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India 1/6
praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to consider the representation dated 23.08.2025 and take immediate action to drain off water from and around the school premises through the sub canal to the main canal at the earliest possible date. For Petitioner :
M/s.Ambili Menon.P For RR 1 & 2 :
Mr.M.Suresh Kumar Additional Advocate General Assisted by Mr.M.Shajahan Special Government Pleader For RR 3 & 4 :
Mr.D.B.R.Prabhu Standing Counsel
O R D E R
The petitioner is a Trust. It is running a school in Thoraipakkam. The grievance of the petitioner is that the respondents are not taking any steps to ensure that the water collected in the petitioner's land is drained to the sub canal and thereafter, to the main canal situated in the area. On account of this fact, there has been water stagnation in the school, which is preventing the teachers, staff and the students studying therein, from enjoying the amenities connected with the school. 2.The petitioner has been regularly approaching this Court, seeking 2/6
to drain the accumulated water, which is stagnating in school. Earlier, the writ petitioner filed W.P.No.27041 of 2012. The Hon'ble Mr.Justice T.S.Sivagnanam, (as his Lordship then was) had directed the Corporation of Chennai to consider the feasibility of creating a storm water drain, draining the water from the school campus to the storm water drain established on the southern side of the road, in which the petitioner school is situated. Alleging that there has been non-compliance, the petitioner, after issuing Lawyer's notice to the Corporation, has approached this Court.
3.By an order dated 17.10.2025, I requested Mr.D.B.R.Prabhu, Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents 3 & 4, to ensure that the water is drained from the premises, and an effective method is evolved, so that the water does not stagnate with the every rain. I adjourned the matter to enable Mr.D.B.R.Prabhu to do the needful. 4.When I took up the matter for hearing, Mr.M.Suresh Kumar, Additional Advocate General, filed a status report of the Zonal Officer, Zone 15, Sholinganallur, to the following effect:- "4.I respectfully submit that the Greater Chennai Corporation has taken immediate steps 3/6
and cleared the blockage in the drain pipe connecting the school premises with the Storm Water Drain at Kolilambal Nagar Extension, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Chennai. Further, the Greater Chennai Corporation has also deepened the connecting point at the Storm Water Drain which enables the free flow of the stagnated water.
5.I respectfully submit that apart from that above the Greater Chennai Corporation has taken steps and created a canal in the eastern side of the School Compound Wall to width of 12 feet and a depth of 5 feet which connects into the existing "B" Canal at Ezhil Nagar, Thoraipakkam. Further, the Greater Chennai Corporation has re-laid the road at Kolilambal Nagar Extension, Okkiyam Thoraipakkam, Chennai."
5.This makes it clear that the Corporation has connected the school premises with the drains in Okkiyam-Thoraipakkam area, and have also created a canal to ensure that water which gets stagnated, flows into the canal situated at Ezhil Nagar, Thoraipakkam. In addition, Mr.M.Suresh Kumar, Additional Advocate General, states that in case of excess of collection of water in the school premises, on intimation, the Corporation 4/6
will ensure that the excess water, despite the runoff, is pumped out from the school premises. His statement is recorded. 6.In the light of the above development that has been taken place after filing of the writ petition, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.
04.11.2025 krk Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No : Yes / No To 1.State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by Additional Secretary to Government, Fort St. George, Chennai.
2.Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, Rep. by its Managing Director, 5, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005. 3.The Commissioner, Corporation of Chennai, Chennai.
V.LAKSHMINARAYANAN, J.
krk 5/6
4.The Zonal Officer, Zone 15, Sholinganallur, Corporation of Chennai.
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