Francis A v. The State of Tamil Nadu Represented by Its Principal Secretary

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.) This writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the respondents to desilt the Aalamangalam lake and repair the sluices by conducting a proper field inspection and restore the Aalamangalam Lake to its original status for public use by considering the petitioner's representation dated

03.01.2026.

2.The contention of the petitioner is that the residents and Ayacutdhars of Alamangalam Village are directly dependent on the Alamangalam Lake for agricultural activities and sustenances. In that lake, the damaged sluice gates prevent efficient water management leading to waster of water resources. In this regard, the petitioners have given representation to the respondents. Since the same has not been considered, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition.

3.The learned Government Advocate appearing for the official respondents, on instructions, submitted that, due to the present storage of water in the lake, desilting operations and repairs to the damaged sluices could not be undertaken. It is further submitted that, as and when the water level recedes, the respondents will take up desilting and necessary repair works on a priority basis.

4.Heard the learned counsel on either side and perused the materials placed on record.

5.Considering the submissions made on either side and taking note of the fact that the grievance of the petitioner pertains to desilting and repair of the damaged sluice gates in Alamangalam Lake, this Court, without expressing any opinion on the merits of the claim, directs the respondents to take appropriate steps to carry out desilting operations and necessary repairs to the sluice gates in the said lake, as and when the water level recedes, and to accord priority to the said work, in accordance with law.

6.With the above direction, this writ petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. [N.S.K., J.] & [M.J.R., J.]

17.03.2026

Index :Yes/No NCC :Yes/No ta To

¶1The Principal Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

2.The District Collector, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District.

3.The District Revenue Officer, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District.

4.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District.

5.The Block Development Officer, Aavudayar Kovil Taluk, Pudukkottai District. N.SATHISH KUMAR

, J.

AND

M.JOTHIRAMAN, J. ta

17.03.2026 (1/2)

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.03.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.SATHISH KUMAR AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.JOTHIRAMAN 1.A.Francis 2.V.Anthonisamy ... Petitioners Vs. 1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Principal Secretary, Public Works Department (PWD), Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009. 2.The District Collector, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District. 3.The District Revenue Officer, Pudukkottai, Pudukkottai District. 4.The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department (PWD), Aranthangi Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 5.The Block Development Officer, Aavudayar Kovil Taluk, Pudukkottai District. ... Respondents PRAYER:- Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents to desilt the Aalamangalam lake and repair the sluices by conducting a proper field inspection and restore the Aalamangalam Lake admeasuring of 99.89 acres, Comprised in Survey Nos.28 & 29 in Alamangalam Village, Kathiramangalam, Aavudayar Kovil Taluk, Pudukkotttai District to its original status for public use by considering the petitioner's representations dated 03.01.2026 within the period that may be stipulated by this Court. For Petitioners : Mr.P.Pagalavan For Respondents : Mr.P.T.Thiraviam Government Advocate (R1 to R5)