R.Gopal v. The Chief Secretary to Goverment

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to take necessary action in the light of the petitioner's representation dated 23.10.2025 and 21.11.2025 for supply of goods potable water and to relieve the present incumbent from the post of Superintending engineer (CDC) and Chief Engineer (in charge) and fill up the post of Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer, P.W.D. in accordance with the respective Recruitment Rules.

¶2Ms.Sharada Vivek, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

¶3Learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the resident of Tagore Nagar, Puducherry and is a social worker. It is the case of the petitioner that, on 09.09.2025, the sewage water mixed with public drinking water in the urban area, as a result of which, several members of the public inadvertently consumed the contaminated water. Consequently, 31 persons were admitted in General Hospital Puducherry suffering from vomiting and diarrhea. It is further submitted that, it is the duty of the authorities concerned to ensure the supply of safe and potable drinking water to the general public and Page3 of 4 therefore, in order to take necessary action in this regard, the petitioner addressed a representation dated 21.11.2025 to the 2nd respondent however, the said representation did not evoke any response from the respondents and therefore, in order to espouse the said cause, the petitioner has come up with the present Writ Petition.

¶4On the above contention, this Court, heard the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents.

¶5In view of the limited relief sought for in this Writ Petition, this Court without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the 3rd respondent to consider the petitioner's representation dated 21.11.2025 and pass appropriate orders on the same in accordance with law within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other interested parties.

¶6This Writ Petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid direction. There shall be no order as to costs. 23-01-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order NHS Page4 of 4

M.DHANDAPANI, J. NHS To

¶1The chief secretary to goverment Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

¶2The Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary to Government (Finance) Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001.

¶3the secretary to Government (works) Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001. 23-01-2026

Page1 of 4 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 23-01-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI R.Gopal ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The chief secretary to goverment Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001. 2. The Development Commissioner-cum- Secretary to Government (Finance) Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001. 3. The secretary to Government (works) Chief Secretariat, Goubert Avenue, Puducherry-605 001. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to take necessary action in terms of the representation dated 23.10.2025 and 21.11.2025 filed on the file of the respondents for supply of goods potable water and to relieve the present incumbent from the post of Superintending engineer (CDC) and Chief Engineer (in charge) and fill up the post of Superintending Engineer and Chief Engineer, P.W.D. in accordance with the respective Recruitment Rules. Page2 of 4 For Petitioner(s): Mr.P.Suresh For Respondent(s): Ms.Sharada Vivek, Additional Government Pleader