P.Pandiaraj v. The District Collector
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.02.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER P.Pandiaraj ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.
2.The District Revenue Officer, District Collectorate Office Complex, Sattur Road, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Venkatachalapuram Office, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Village Administrative Officer, Sirukkulam Village, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent herein to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.01.2026 and to acquire land situated in Survey Nos.502/1, 502/5, 504/4, 504/5 and 506 measuring 3.7 Hectares in Gowlwarpatti village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District Page No. 1 of 6
and to pay adequate compensation in accordance with law, within a time frame as may be stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : M/s.C.R.Ponnuthai For Respondents : Mr.D.S.Nedunchezhian Government Advocate ****
O R D E R
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.01.2026 and to acquire the land situated in Survey Nos.502/1, 502/5, 504/4, 504/5 and 506, measuring 3.7 hectares, in Gowlwarpatti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District and to pay adequate compensation in accordance with law, within a time frame to be stipulated by this Court.
2. With the consent of the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. The grievance of the petitioner is that the adjacent lands to the petitioner's property were acquired for the extension of the Irrukkankudi Page No. 2 of 6
Reservoir Scheme, while the petitioner's land was excluded from acquisition, even though the same is situated adjacent to the Vaippar and Arjunar Rivers, which are connected to the said Irrukkankudi Reservoir Scheme. Owing to the acquisition of the surrounding lands and the altered irrigation ecosystem caused by the dam extension, the petitioner's property has become isolated and agriculturally unviable. The natural water flow, access and support from adjoining lands have been cut off. The petitioner has been unable to cultivate the land productively due to drought-like conditions and environmental disruption caused by the dam development. Further, the Tribunal has passed an order dated 14.10.
2024 awarding compensation for the petitioner's trees cut by the authorities during the acquisition proceedings, which, according to the petitioner, is inadequate. The petitioner contends that he is entitled to compensation for the value of the trees, considering their age, type, yield and prevailing market value. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 02.01.2026 seeking acquisition of the land and payment of adequate compensation in accordance with law. Since the same has not been considered, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition. Page No.
4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents, on instructions, would submit that the petitioner's representation dated 02.01.2026 would be considered and appropriate orders would be passed by the first respondent within a period of sixteen weeks.
5. Recording the above submission and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 02.01.2026 and pass appropriate orders on its merits and in accordance with law within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The representation shall be disposed of after conducting an enquiry. The first respondent is also directed to provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties who may be affected by such decision, before passing any order. There shall be no order as to costs. [K.SURENDER, J.] 18.02.2026 JEN Index : Yes / No Page No. 4 of 6
To 1.The District Collector, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.
2.The District Revenue Officer, District Collectorate Office Complex, Sattur Road, Virudhunagar District, Virudhunagar.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Venkatachalapuram Office, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Village Administrative Officer, Sirukkulam Village, Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
Page No. 5 of 6
K.SURENDER , J.
JEN 18.02.2026 Page No. 6 of 6