Selvaraj.T v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 04.12.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI W.P(MD)No.24916 of 2022 T.Selvaraj ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, 2.The Tahsildar, Thanjavur Taluk, 3.The Block Development Officer, Panchayat Union Office, Panagal Building, Thanjavur 613 001.

4.The Panchayat President, Alakudi Village Panchayat, Alakudi, 5.The Revenue Inspector, Perambur, Thanjavur Taluk, 1/6

6.The Village Administrative Officer, Alakudi Village, 7.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment, Thanjavur.

8.The Executive Officer, Alakudi Arulmighu Muthumariamman Thirukoil at Bangaru Kamatchiamman Thirukovil, West Raja Veethi, Thanjavur.

... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents 1 to 6 herein to forthwith remove the encroachments made in the Oorkulam situated in Survey No.359C measuring 14 acres 84 cents and Vannankulam situated in Survey No.359A measuring 6 acres 78 cents, in Alakudi Village, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District and consequently further directing the respondents 7 and 8 herein to remove the encroachments made in the 8th respondent temple in Survey Nos. 336/1A, 1B and 1C belonging to the 8th respondent temple in Alakudi Village, Thanjavur Taluk, Thanjavur District, in a phased manner and within a reasonable time as may be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner :Mr.C.Padmaraj For Respondents :Mr.C.Venkatesh Kumar Special Government Pleader for R1 to R7 : Mr.V.Chandrasekar for R8 2/6

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2. Even before the submissions could be made, the learned counsel appearing for the 8th respondent temple clarified that the water body in question does not belong to the temple.

3. The learned Special Government Pleader thereupon confirmed that the petition mentioned tanks known as Oorkulam and Vannankulam belong to the local body. It is further confirmed that there are encroachments in the said water bodies.

4. In this view of the matter, we direct the second respondent to conduct survey. Notice shall be given to all the interested persons & encroachers before conducting survey. If the survey results indicate that there are encroachments in the water body, the same shall be removed. All the encroachers shall not only be put on notice but also given due opportunity. All the encroachments shall be cleared within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

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5. The Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. [G.R.S., J.] [B.P., J.] 04.12.2025 NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No rmi To 1.The District Collector, 2.The Tahsildar, Thanjavur Taluk, 3.The Block Development Officer, Panchayat Union Office, Panagal Building, Thanjavur 613 001.

4.The Panchayat President, Alakudi Village Panchayat, Alakudi, 5.The Revenue Inspector, Perambur, Thanjavur Taluk, 4/6

6.The Village Administrative Officer, Alakudi Village, 7.The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment, Thanjavur.

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

rmi W.P(MD)No.24916 of 2022 04.12.2025 6/6