M.Ramakrishnan v. The Executive Engineer,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED :18.03.2026

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY and W.M.P.(MD) No.6194 of 2026 M.Ramakrishnan ... Petitioner Vs

1. The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (WRO), Melavaipparu Basin Division, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

2. The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (WRO), Melavaipparu Basin Division, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

3. The Assistant Director, Fisheries and Fisherman Welfare, Tirunelveli.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents permit the petitioner to harvest (catch) the fishes from Periyaparaikulam Tank situated at Narayanapuram Village, Vasudevanallur Taluk, Tenkasi District till August, 2026 based on the petitioner's representation dated 27.02.2026 within a stipulated time as 1/5

fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.P.Sivachandran For Respondents : Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader

O R D E R

The writ petition is filed for a Mandamus directing the respondent to permit the petitioner to harvest fish from Periyaparaikulam Tank situated at Narayanapuram Village, Vasudevanallur Taluk, Tenkasi District, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 27.02.2026.

2. Upon hearing the learned counsel for the petitioner and perusing the representation, it is seen that the petitioner was originally granted a licence for a period of three years. The petitioner is now praying for an extension for another one year.

3. The learned Special Government Pleader appearing on behalf of the respondents would submit that the extension is not being permitted on the ground that the lake is brimming with water. 2/5

4. In reply thereto, the learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that normally, as per the Government Order, five years is the period of the lease that is given and only in respect of the petitioner, they have restricted it to three years.

5. It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion with reference to the merits of the matter. The first respondent shall take up the representation of the petitioner dated 27.02.2026 and pass orders thereon in accordance with law. The said exercise shall be completed within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of the web copy of the order, without waiting for the certified copy of the order.

6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. NCC : Yes/No 18.03.2026 apd 3/5

To

1. The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (WRO), Melavaipparu Basin Division, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

2. The Assistant Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (WRO), Melavaipparu Basin Division, Rajapalayam, Virudhunagar District.

3. The Assistant Director, Fisheries and Fisherman Welfare, Tirunelveli.

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D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY .,J.

apd ORDER MADE IN 18.03.2026 5/5