K.Karthikeyan v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.02.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.3697 of 2026 K.Karthikeyan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

2.The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

4.The Tahsildar, Avudaiyarkovil, Pudukkottai District.

5.P.K.Sembiya 6.Vadivelu 7.Sivaji ... Respondents 1/5

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondent Nos. 1 to 4 to remove the encroachment in water body and other government lands made by the respondent Nos. 5 to 7 and others in Survey Nos. 29, 93, 94,97,98,99,100/5,102/4,107/4,119/1,142,151/10, 185,197/2, 197/3, 251/6 and 104 Veezhimangalam Village, Ponpethi Circle, Avudaiyarkovil Taluk, Pudukottai District by considering petitioner's representation dated 12.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within the period that may be stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner :Mr.M.Jerin Mathew For Respondents :Mr.G.V.Vaiam Santhosh Additional Government Pleader for R1 to R4

ORDER

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader for R1 to R4. Issuance of notice to R5 to R7 is dispensed with.

2. The petitioner is a resident of Avudaiyarkoil Taluk. He states that in the petition mentioned survey numbers, there are encroachments. 2/5

3. A mere look at the revenue record would show that either the survey number has been classified as water bodies, or water spread area or grazing ground. All of them are Government poromboke lands. None of them belong to any private individual. In these circumstances, these encroachments will have to be considered as objectionable.

4. In this view of the matter, we direct the fourth respondent to conduct survey. Notice shall be given to all the interested persons & encroachers before conducting survey. If the survey results indicate that there are encroachments, the same shall be removed. All the encroachers shall not only be put on notice but also given due opportunity. All the encroachments shall be cleared within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. The Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. [G.R.S., J.] [B.P., J.] 12.02.2026 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No rmi 3/5

To 1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai District, Pudukkottai.

2.The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Aranthangi, Pudukkottai District.

4.The Tahsildar, Avudaiyarkovil, Pudukkottai District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J and B.PUGALENDHI, J.

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