Rajamuthu v. The District Collector

Order This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondents 2 and 3 to consider and dispose of petitioner's representation dated 10.03.2026, requesting determination and payment of compensation, conduct of a hearing / site visit and halting of project works until compensation is paid.

¶2The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the absolute owner and possessor of agricultural land bearing S.F.No.107/1J3 situated in Nangavalli Village, Mettur Taluk, Salem District, measuring an extent of 0.34.81 hectares and in peaceful possession and enjoyment of the said land. While so, the Government of India through Gazette Notification issued under Section 3(1) of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines, acquired the Right of User (ROU) in the extent of 0.11.25 hectares for the public purpose for laying petroleum product pipelines under the Irugur - Devangonthi Pipeline Project undertaken by Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL). Pursuant Page3 of 5 to the aforesaid notification, the petitioner submitted a detailed objection dated

12.08.2025 to the 1st respondent. However, the respondents have apparently proceeded with the laying of the pipeline on the petitioner's lands, without resolving his objections, without conducting the requisite inquiry under Section 5 and without determining or paying any compensation.

¶3Learned counsel further submitted that in the light of the violations and to claim compensation, submitted a detailed representation dated 06.03.2026 to the respondents, requesting determination and payment of compensation, conduct of a hearing / site visit and halting of project works until compensation is paid. Since the said representation was not considered, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing this writ petition.

¶4In reply, the learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents would submit that the petitioners' representation dated 06.03.2026 will be disposed of by the respondents within a period of eight weeks.

¶4Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Counsel for the respondent and also perused the materials available on record. Page4 of 5

¶5In view of the above, this Court directs the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 06.03.2026 on its own merits, after issuing notice to the petitioner and dispose of the same in accordance with law within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order.

¶6With the above directions, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. 08-06-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order SK To

¶1The District Collector Salem District, Salem-636 001

¶2The Competent Authority Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline Project, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Irugur Terminal S.F. No.586/2, Ravathur (Post), Irugur, Coimbatore-641 103

¶3The Competent Authority Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline Project, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Salem office, Salem

¶4The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk, Salem District. WPoNo.o18812oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMYoJ. sk WPoNo.o18812oofo2026 08-06-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 08-06-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY Rajamuthu S/o.Chinnu, Residing at Door No.17(B) Karattupatti Kattuvalavu, Nangavalli Village and Post, Mettur Taluk, Salem District-636 454 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Salem District, Salem-636 001 2. The Competent Authority Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline Project, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Irugur Terminal S.F. No.586/2, Ravathur (Post), Irugur, Coimbatore-641 103 3. The Competent Authority Irugur-Devangonthi Pipeline Project, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Salem office, Salem 4. The Tahsildar Mettur Taluk, Salem District. ..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, particularly the 2nd and 3rd respondents to competent Authorities, to consider and dispose of petitioner representation dated 10.03.2026 in accordance with law, including Page2 of 5 by determining the compensation under Section 10 of the PMP Act read with G.O. (Ms) No.54 dated 14.02.2020 and pass appropriate orders thereon within a time bound period of four weeks from the date of receipt of the order of this Court For Petitioner(s): Mr.P.Vignesh For Respondent(s): Ms.Inthu Karunakaran, Government Counsel for R1 and R4 Mr.O.S.Karthikeyan for R2 and R3