Srinivasan A v. The District Collector / Monitoring Committee

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 03.07.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI A.Srinivasan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector / Monitoring committee, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

2.The Tahsildar, Veerakeralam Pudhur Taluk, Tenkasi District.

3.The Block Development Officer, Alangulam, Tenkasi District.

4.The Project Manager, JSW Wind Energy Project Office, Near new bus stand, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli District.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue Writ of Mandamus to direct the respondents 1 to 3 to remove the gravel and stone dumped by the fourth respondent in the water channel, namely, Periyaodai passing through Muthammalpuram, Veerakeralampudhu Taluk, Tenkasi District and 1/4

further direct the respondents 1 to 3 to restore the channel to its original position.

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Murali For Respondents : Mr.S.Vinoth, Government Advocate for R1 to R3 Mr.N.Dilipkumar for R4

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The allegation of the petitioner is that the bund of the water channel, by name, Periyaodai passing through the petition mentioned village has been converted into a gravel road. 3.It has been consistently held by this Court that the character of a water body should not be altered and that laying of a road in a water body is utterly illegal. The respondents are directed to restore the original position of the water channel as expeditiously as possible. 2/4

4.This writ petition is allowed. No costs.

[G.R.S., J.] & [B.P., J.] 03.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Skm To 1.The District Collector / Monitoring committee, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi.

2.The Tahsildar, Veerakeralam Pudhur Taluk, Tenkasi District.

3.The Block Development Officer, Alangulam, Tenkasi District.

4.The Project Manager, JSW Wind Energy Project Office, Near new bus stand, Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli District.

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

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