Madras High CourtWP(MD)/4061/2019disposed of

A.P.Ravichandran, v. The District Collector,

2025-07-30Honourable Mr Justice G.R.Swaminathan,Honourable Mr Justice B.Pugalendhi4 pages

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 30.07.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.4061 of 2019 A.P.Ravichandran ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Karur District, Karur.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur District, Karur.

3.The Tahsildar, Karur, Karur District.

4.The Superintendent of Police, Karur District, Karur.

5.The Inspector of Police, Velliyanai Police Station, Velliyanai, Karur District.

6.Muthusamy 1/4

7.V.Ramanathan 8.M.Sivasamy 9.Jeyabalan 10.Chinnasamy ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 5 to remove the encroachment made in Velliyanai River in S.No.930, situated at Vellaiyanai Village, Karur Taluk, Karur District and restore the River as per the representation of the petitioner dated 05/02/2019.

For Petitioner :Mr.S.Gokul Raj For Respondents :Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam Government Advocate for R1 to R3 : Mr.T.Senthil Kumar Additional Public Prosecutor for R4 & R5 : Mr.M.P.Senthil for R6 to R10

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2/4

2. It is not in dispute that Survey No.930 in Vellaiyanai Village has been classified as "river". It is stated that in Survey No.948, a temple which is 300 years old is in existence. It is well settled that if such a temple was in existence before August 1947, it cannot be disturbed. Be that as it may, the learned counsel for the private respondents states that on the full moon of Aippasi and Shivaratri, Annathanam will be conducted and in connection with the said event, a temporary structure will be put up. It is further undertaken that the said temporary structure will be put up only for two days and then it will be dismantled.

3. We direct the authorities to ensure that the said undertaking is honoured in letter and spirit. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs.

[G.R.S., J.] [B.P., J.] 30.07.2025 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No rmi 3/4

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

rmi To 1.The District Collector, Karur District, Karur.

2.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Karur District, Karur.

3.The Tahsildar, Karur, Karur District.

4.The Superintendent of Police, Karur District, Karur.

5.The Inspector of Police, Velliyanai Police Station, Velliyanai, Karur District.

W.P(MD)No.4061 of 2019 30.07.2025 4/4