Kalavathi v. The Additional Chief Secretary To Government
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 28.11.2025
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and W.M.P(MD)No.27353 of 2025 Kalavathi ... Petitioner Vs.
1.The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Department of Environment, Climate and Forest, Secretariat, Chennai.
2.The District Collector, Collector Office Campus, Virudhunagar District - 626 002.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Divisional Office, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Tahsildar, Watrap Taluk, Virudhunagar District.
... Respondents 1/5
Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to sanction and disburse a compensation of Rs.10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakhs only) to the Petitioner for the death of her husband, Pandiyan, who succumbed to a snake bite and further direct the Respondents to carry out necessary repair and restoration works to the Petitioner's Government constructed dwelling house, within such time as may be stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : Mr.Sahaya Philomin Raj For Respondents : Mr.K.S.Selva Ganesan Additional Government Pleader
ORDER
Heard both sides.
2.The writ petitioner belongs to Hindu Sakkiliyar community which is notified as Scheduled Caste. The petitioner's husband was working as scavenger on daily wages. The petitioner's husband died on 2/5
05.03.2025 at about 03.30 p.m on account of snake bite. In this regard, Crime No.47 of 2025 was registered on the file of the Nathampatti Police Station under Section 194 of BNSS, 2023. The petitioner seeks compensation. My attention is drawn to G.O(D) No.33 dated 21.02.2024 which provides for payment of compensation to the victims of animal attacks. My attention is also drawn to the order dated 08.06.2022 made in W.P(MD)No.1032 of 2017 (P.Selvaraj Vs The Secretary to Government, Department of Environment and Forest, Secretariat, Chennai - 9 & Others). I had held therein that snakes would come under the category of wildlife. The petitioner has given representation dated 04.07.2025.
3.The second respondent is directed to consider the writ petitioner's representation in the light of the aforesaid GO and in terms of the order dated 08.06.2022 made in W.P(MD)No.1032 of 2017 and provide appropriate relief to the petitioner. This exercise shall be completed within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
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4.This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 28.11.2025 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No MGA To 1.The Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Department of Environment, Climate and Forest, Secretariat, Chennai.
2.The District Collector, Collector Office Campus, Virudhunagar District - 626 002.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Revenue Divisional Office, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Tahsildar, Watrap Taluk, Virudhunagar District.
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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.
MGA 28.11.2025 5/5