Kalanthar Ashik Ahamed I v. The District Collector

O R D E R [Order of the Court was made by DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN, J.] Public Interest Litigation is filed seeking Mandamus directing the respondents to renovate the damaged Jetty bridge in Thondi Town Panchayat and consequently direct the respondents to restrict the people in and around the Thondi Village to use the said bridge.

2.The learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the Jetty bridge is meant for fishermen to anchor their boats and it has been used to augur their livelihood. This bridge was constructed 20 years ago about 1 kilometer away from the Thondi seashore. The bridge is now substantially damaged without proper maintenance and public without knowing about the risk visit the damaged bridge and cause more damage in addition to the risk to their life. Hence, in the interest of the public, the said Jetty bridge has to be renovated for the general public to use it after it is renovated.

3.The prayer sought in the Writ Petition is two fold. First, to renovate the damaged Jetty bridge and till then, to restrict the public from visiting the said Jetty bridge.

4.The learned Special Government Pleader representing the respondents has filed a counter, wherein it is stated that the Jetty bridge is in a dilapidated condition due to the saline environment and the stability of the bridge is doubtful. Hence, considering the safety and protection of the public, the access to the bridge is closed and the said bridge of no purpose, appropriate decision has to be taken for demolishing it considering the public safety.

5.This Court, recording the said submission, disposes of this Writ Petition as not maintainable. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

[G.J., J.] & [K.K.R.K., J.]

02.01.2026 NCC : Index : Internet:

MR To

1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Ramanathapuram District.

2.The Tahsildar, Taluka Office, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. DR.G.JAYACHANDRAN,,J. AND K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN,,J. MR W.P.(MD)No.1106,of,2023

02.01.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.01.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE G.JAYACHANDRAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN W.P.(MD)No.1106 of 2023 and W.M.P.(MD)Nos.1016 & 18788 of 2023 & 17552 of 2025 Kalanthar Ashik Ahamed ... Petitioner -vs- 1.The District Collector, Office of the District Collector, Ramanathapuram District. 2.The Tahsildar, Taluka Office, Thiruvadanai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to renovate the damaged Jetty bridge in Thondi Town Panchayat and consequently direct the respondents to restrict the people in and around of the Thondi Village to use the said bridge by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.12.2022 within the period as stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.S.Atham Ali For Respondents : Mr.S.P.Maharajan Special Government Pleader