A.M.Sundaravel v. The Principal Secretary To Govt

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 15.07.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE S.M.SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY A.M.Sundaravel ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Highways Department, State of Tamil Nadu, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Chief Engineer, Construction and Maintenance, Highways Department, Chennai-600 025.

3.The Superintendent Engineer, Highways Department, Construction and Maintenance, Tirunelveli-624 002.

4.The Divisional Engineer, Highways Department, Construction and Maintenance, Tirunelveli-624 002.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to take appropriate steps to repair and maintain the roads at Tirunelveli District belong to Highways Department within a 1/5

stipulated period as may be fixed by this Court by considering the petitioner's representation dated 18.11.2019. For Petitioner :

Mr.A.M.Sundaravel Party-in-person For Respondents :

Mr.P.Thilakkumar Government Pleader

O R D E R

[Order of the Court was made by S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.] The writ on hand has been instituted to direct the respondents to take appropriate steps to repair and maintain the roads at Tirunelveli District.

2. The omnibus relief sought for in this writ petition, if granted, would result in great financial implications to the State's exchequer. No doubt, road development projects are to be undertaken by the Government in a phased manner according to the budgetary allocation. The roads are also to be maintained properly by the authorities competent. Irregularity and illegality in laying the roads by the contractors are to be viewed seriously. In the event of any lapse, negligence, dereliction of duty or laying substandard roads, the officials and the contractors, responsible and accountable, must be 2/5

held liable and any financial loss is to be recovered from all those persons. However, the grievance of the petitioner cannot be redressed, since it requires an administrative decision on the part of the Government.

3. The fourth respondent has filed a counter affidavit stating that some road projects had already been completed and some road projects are in progress.

4. In view of the fact that actions are already initiated by the respondents, no further adjudication is required in this Writ Petition and the same stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. [S.M.S., J.] [S.S.Y., J.] 15.07.2025 Index:Yes Internet:Yes/No NCC:Yes/No abr 3/5

To 1.The Principal Secretary to Government, Highways Department, State of Tamil Nadu, Chennai-600 009.

2.The Chief Engineer, Construction and Maintenance, Highways Department, Chennai-600 025.

3.The Superintendent Engineer, Highways Department, Construction and Maintenance, Tirunelveli-624 002.

4.The Divisional Engineer, Highways Department, Construction and Maintenance, Tirunelveli-624 002.

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S.M.SUBRAMANIAM, J.

and S.SRIMATHY, J.

abr 15.07.2025 5/5