Rasathi v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 12.03.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR and W.M.P.(MD)No.5518 of 2026 Rasathi ... Petitioner vs.

1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai.

2.The Block Development Officer, Union Panchayat, Karambakudi.

3.The Tahsildar (Spl), Land Acquisition, Karambakudi, Pudukottai District.

4.The Tahsildar (Spl), SS/ST Welfare Department, Karambakudi, Pudukottai District.

5.The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, G.A.C.No.3, Sub Division, Pattukkottai.

... Respondents 1/6

PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to acquire the land from the private land owners in Sy.No.8/1 and other survey numbers at Vaandanviduthi Village Panchayat, Peyodipatti, Anganviduthi, Kadampatti Post, Karambakudi Taluk, Pudukkottai as per the Land Acquisition Act and to lay a proper road for petitioner's village peoples to reach the graveyard cemetery based on her representation dated 23.02.2026.

For Petitioner :Mr.P.Manikandan For Respondents :Mr.S.Kameswaran Government Advocate *****

O R D E R

The petitioner, who is a resident of Vaandanviduthi Village Panchayat, is before this Court seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing respondents 1 to 3 to acquire the private lands in Survey No.8/1 and other survey numbers in the said village for the purpose of providing access to the public graveyard.

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2. The petitioner contends that there is no proper access to the public graveyard, which is causing hardship to the petitioner and other villagers. It is further stated that the owners of the private lands have given their consent for acquisition of a portion of their lands for the purpose of providing access to the public graveyard. However, despite such consent, the respondents have not taken any steps to acquire the said lands.

3. Mr. S. Kameswaran, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents, on instructions, submitted that the petitioner's representation would be considered in accordance with law within the time frame that may be stipulated by this Court.

4. Recording the above submission, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 23.02.2026 on its own merits and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The respondents shall also ensure that no obstruction is caused to the petitioner and other villagers in accessing the public graveyard. No costs. Consequently, the connected 3/6

miscellaneous petition is closed.

Index :Yes / No 12.03.2026 NCC :Yes / No cmr 4/6

To 1.The District Collector, Pudukkottai.

2.The Block Development Officer, Union Panchayat, Karambakudi.

3.The Tahsildar (Spl), Land Acquisition, Karambakudi, Pudukottai District.

4.The Tahsildar (Spl), SS/ST Welfare Department, Karambakudi, Pudukottai District.

5.The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department, G.A.C.No.3, Sub Division, Pattukkottai.

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HEMANT CHANDANGOUDAR, J.

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