A.M.Sundaravel v. The Principal Secretary
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.02.2026 CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G.JAYACHANDRAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN
1. A.M.Sundaravel S/o.Muthukaruppan 3/16 Mela Street Munnirpallam Tirunelveli - 627 356.
Petitioner(s) Vs
1. The Principal Secretary Rural Development Department Tamil Nadu Government Chennai - 600 009.
2. The District Collector District Collectorate Building Tirunelveli District Tirunelveli - 627 009.
3. The Assistant Director (Panchayat) District Collectorate Building Palayamkottai - 627 002 Tirunelveli District.
4. The Deputy Block Development Officer (Panchayat) Palayamkottai - 627 002 Tirunelveli District.
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5. The President Muneerpallam Panchayat Tirunelveli - 627 356.
... Respondents PRAYER :-Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 2nd respondent to take necessary action to direct the Respondents 4 and 5 to properly clean and maintain the 24 over head water tanks situated at Palayamkottai Block, Tirunelveli District and to properly fix the time of supply of drinking water through the water tap connection to the residential houses situated at Muneerpallam Panchayat, Tirunelveli District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 16.07.2025 within a stipulated period as framed by this Court.
For Petitioner(s): Mr.A.M.Sundaravel (Party-in-person) For Respondent(s): Mr.P.Thilak Kumar Government Pleader
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made by Dr.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J.) Expressing concern over the negligence of the local body in maintaining the overhead tank meant for drinking water of the village, the present Public Interest Litigation is filed seeking direction to the District Collector, Tirunelveli to oversee the periodical cleaning of the overhead tank.
2. The learned Government Pleader today furnished a status report of the Deputy Block Development Officer (Panchayats) wherein, it is stated that the Page No.2 of 5
overhead tank situated at Munneerpallam Panchayat was inspected pursuant to the representation given by the petitioner and necessary action was taken for maintenance and cleaning of the overhead tank periodically. Display boards were installed containing the date of cleaning and the next date of cleaning. It is also stated in the report that routine inspection is carried out to check leaks in the pipeline, cracks and damages in the structure and an undertaking is given by the 4th respondent that he will continuously monitor cleanliness and regular maintenance of the overhead tank situated within his jurisdiction without giving any room for complaint.
3. Recording the status report filed by the 4th respondent, the writ petition stands closed. No costs.
(G.J, J.) (K.K.R.K, J.) Index : Yes / No 18.02.2026 RR Page No.3 of 5
To
1. The Principal Secretary Rural Development Department Tamil Nadu Government Chennai - 600 009.
2. The District Collector District Collectorate Building Tirunelveli District Tirunelveli - 627 009.
3. The Assistant Director (Panchayat) District Collectorate Building Palayamkottai - 627 002 Tirunelveli District.
4. The Deputy Block Development Officer (Panchayat) Palayamkottai - 627 002 Tirunelveli District.
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DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J and K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN, J.
RR Order made in DATED : 18.02.2026 Page No.5 of 5