Pukalenthi v. The District Collector

ORDER The petitioners have filed this writ petition alleging that the respondents are attempting to lay a road through their land comprised in Survey No.288, Chennappanayakanpalayam Village, Cuddalore Taluk and District, measuring an extent of 1.21 ares.

¶2It is stated that the petitioners purchased the subject property under a registered Sale Deed dated 20.12.1990 and their names have been mutated in the revenue records. Thus, the petitioners are in possession and enjoyment of the property and have raised cashew trees therein. It is the apprehension of the petitioners that the 2nd respondent is proposing to lay a road through the petitioners' land, thereby they submitted various representations, lastly dated

24.03.2026 seeking measurement of the property as well to drop the proposal of road laying the private land belonging to the petitioners. But the same evoked no response from the respondents. Hence, this writ petition.

¶3Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that it would suffice, if this Court issues directions to the respondents to consider the petitioners representations and pass appropriate orders.

¶4Replying to the aforesaid submission, learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents submitted that no such representation is pending before the respondents for consideration. However, the petitioners may be directed to submit a copy of the said representation to the concerned Taluk Surveyor.

¶5Acceding to the said submission, the learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the petitioners will submit an appropriate application before the Taluk Surveyor for measurement of the property and this Court may issue directions to the respondents to consider the same, within a short time. However, he prayed till such time, the respondents may also be directed not to lay road on the property of the petitioners.

¶6In view of the fair submissions, this writ petition stands disposed of by issuing the following directions :

i) The petitioners are directed to submit an appropriate application before the 2nd respondent as well as the Taluk Surveyor, within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order by ventilating the above grievances along with this order copy.

ii) On receipt of such application, the Taluk Surveyor shall conduct survey and measurement of the property after notice to the petitioners and the 2nd respondent and pass appropriate orders in accordance with law.

iii) Till such exercise is completed, the 2nd respondent shall not lay any road in the subject property of the petitioners. However, it is open to the 2nd respondent to proceed in accordance with law, if the subject land belongs to Government or local body.

¶7With the above directions, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

01.06.2026 (2/2) Index : Yes / No Speaking Order / Non-speaking order vsi2 To :

¶1The District Collector Cuddalore District.

¶2The Block Development Officer Panruti Panchayat Union, Panruti, Cuddalore District. W.P.oNo.17177oofo2026 M.oDHANDAPANI,oJ.o vsi2 W.P.oNo.17177oofo2026 and W.M.P.oNo.18454oofo2026

01.06.2026 (2/2)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED:01.06.2026 CORAM: THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M. DHANDAPANI and W.M.P. No.18454 of 2026 1. Pukalenthi 2. Kabilan 3. Devanathan ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector Cuddalore District. 2. The Block Development Officer Panruti Panchayat Union, Panruti, Cuddalore District. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to issue Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the respondents from laying road in the petitioners land situated in RS No. 288/4 in Chennappanayakanpalayam Village, Cuddalore Taluk and District to an extent of 1.21 ares. For Petitioners : Mr.S. Ramachandran For Respondents : Mr.P. Siddarth Government Counsel