M.Arivazhagan v. The Assistant Director

Order This Writ Petition is filed by the petitioner directing the respondents herein to consider the representation of the petitioner society to harvest fishes in Kuppanatham Dam under the control of the petitioner Society.

¶2The petitioner Society is registered under Tamil Nadu Co-operative Societies Act. The Government of Tamil Nadu, had issued G.O.Ms.No.332, dated 17.11.1993 directing the authorities to give first priority in fishing rights to fishermen society and thereby, the petitioner Society being the successful bidder doing fishing in Kuppanatham Dam and they invested by sowing ''fishing seeds (Meen Kunjujal)'' in the said Dam and now the fishes are ready for harvest. Since auction was heldon 21.01.2025, the original leease period (Fasli Year 1434) from 01.07.2024 to 30.06.2025 got shortened from

10.02.2025 to 30.06.2025. Therefore, the lease period got expired on

30.06.2025. If the members of the petitioner Society are not permitted to harvest the same, not only huge monetary loss, but the fishes will also die as the water in the Kuppanatham Dam, is getting reduced due to ensuing summer season. Hence, the petitioner Society made representation to the respondents on

03.03.2026 seeking permission to continue the petitioner's society members to do harvesting of fishes. Since, there is no response on the said representation, the petitioner Society is before this Court. Page3 of 5

¶3The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice, if the respondents are directed to dispose of the representation of the petitioner dated 03.03.2026 on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the respondents has no objection for such an order being passed by this Court.

¶5Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and learned counsel appearing for the respondents.

¶6In view of the limited request made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondents to consider the representation of the petitioner Society dated

03.03.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶7With the above direction, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 27-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK Page4 of 5 To

¶1The Assistant Director Inland Fisheries, Vellore-3.

¶2The Executive Engineer Water Resource Department, Formerly PWD Department, Middle Pannayaru Basin Division, Thiruvannamalai-606 603.

¶3The Assistant Executive Engineer Water Resource Department, Middle Pannayaru Basin Division, Thiruvannamalai-606 701. Page5 of 5 M.DHANDAPANI J. sk 27-03-2026

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 27-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI M.Arivazhagan Ex.President, FC ST 56- Thenpennai Aattrupadugai Meenavar Kooturavu Sangam, Door No.80, Pillaiyar Koil Street, Chengam Taluk, Tiruvannamalai District. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Assistant Director Inland Fisheries, Vellore- 3. 2. The Executive Engineer Water Resource Department, Formerly PWD Department, Middle Pannayaru Basin Division, Thiruvannamalai- 606 603. 3. The Assistant Executive Engineer Water Resource Department, Middle Pannayaru Basin Division, Thiruvannamalai- 606 701. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of writ of Mandamus directing the respondents herein to consider the representation of the petitioner society dated 03.03.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Honble court and permit the members of the petitioner society to harvest fishes in Kuppanatham Dam under the control of the petitioner Society, and pass. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Gopinath For Respondent(s): Mr.A.Selvendra, Special Government Pleader Page2 of 5