Cauvery Neervala Sutrusoolal v. The Principal Secretary And
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 02.12.2025
CORAM:
THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G. JAYACHANDRAN AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.K. RAMAKRISHNAN and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.5064 and 11388 of 2016 Cauvery Neervala Sutrusoolal Padhukappu Sangam, Rep by its President, T.N.Mahendra Kumar, S/o.K.Nallasami No.547, Mariamman Kovil Street V.Thaiyirpalayam Post, Bhavani Taluk, Erode District.
... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamilnadu, Tamil Valarchi Valagam, Halls Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.
2.The District Collector, Tuticorin District, Tuticorin.
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3.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Secretary, Public Works(P2) Departments, Fort St. George, Chennai.
4.The Chief Engineer (General) Public Works Department, Chennai-5.
5.The Superintending Engineer, Water Resource Department, Public Works Department, Tamiraparani River Basin Circle, Tirunvelveli.
6.The Superintending Engineer, WRO/PWE Tamiraparani Basin Circle, Tirunelveli.
7.The Superintending Archaeology, O/o.Superintending Archaeology, Archaeology Survey of India, Government of India, Thrissur Circle, K.S.H.B.Flats, Pullazhy, Thrissur, Kerala-680 012.
8.S.Joel 9.T.Shanmugasundaram 10.T.Sathyamurthy ... Respondents (R10 is suo motu impleaded vide Court order dated 30.01.2018) PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus forbearing the respondents 1 to 7 to forbear mining operations near the Adichanallur Iron age Urn Burial Site 2/6
located on the right bank of the Tamirabarani River, in Adichanallur Village, Srivaikundam Taluk in Tuticorin District. For Petitioner : Mr.M.Mahaboob Fazil for M/s.T.Lajapathi Roy For R1 To R6 : Mr.P.Thilakkumar, Government Pleader For R7 : Mr.K.Govindharajan, Deputy Solicitor General of India
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J.) Cauvery Neervala Sutrusoolal Padhukappu Sangam, is an Association meant for protecting the interests of Cauvery Water beneficiaries. The writ petition is filed alleging that the monumental site at Adichanallur Iron Age Urn Burial Site indiscriminately mining of sand is permitted and therefore, there must be a direction forbearing mining operation near monumental site.
2.Counter filed by the District Collector, Thoothukudi, stating that subsequent to the direction of this Court as well as National Green Tribunal, now no permission for sand mining is permitted. The historical area measuring 270 metres, is now in possession of the Archaeological Survey of India(ASI) and the same is fenced. The District Collector, 3/6
Thoothukudi, has specifically stated that no sand mining license granted in Adichanallur Village and no license has to be given to conduct quarry in and around Archaeological site in Adichanallur Village. 3.Considering the said fact that no sand mining activity is permitted in the Adichanallur Village and the monumental site is fully fenced and handed over to ASI and the apprehension of the writ petitioner is substantially taken care. It is affirmed by the writ petitioner that as of now there is no sand mining license given in that area. 4.Recording the undertaking given by the District Collector, Thoothukudi, and the Special Chief Engineer, WRD, PWD, Tirunelveli, this Writ Petition is disposed of with specific direction that there shall never be sand mining anywhere near the Adichanallur historical site or within the Adichanallur Village. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.
[G.J., J.] & [K.K.R.K., J.] 02.12.2025 Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes Ns 4/6
To 1.The Principal Secretary and Commissioner, Department of Archaeology, Government of Tamilnadu, Tamil Valarchi Valagam, Halls Road, Egmore, Chennai-600 008.
2.The District Collector, Tuticorin District, Tuticorin.
3.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its Secretary, Public Works(P2) Departments, Fort St. George, Chennai.
4.The Chief Engineer (General) Public Works Department, Chennai-5.
5.The Superintending Engineer, Water Resource Department, Public Works Department, Tamiraparani River Basin Circle, Tirunvelveli.
6.The Superintending Engineer, WRO/PWE Tamiraparani Basin Circle, Tirunelveli.
7.The Superintending Archaeology, O/o.Superintending Archaeology, Archaeology Survey of India, Government of India, Thrissur Circle, K.S.H.B.Flats, Pullazhy, Thrissur, Kerala-680 012.
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DR.
G. JAYACHANDRAN , J.
AND K.K. RAMAKRISHNAN, J.
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