Nagarajan v. The District Collector

O R D E R This Writ Petition is filed for a direction to the respondents to allot the newly constructed 10 fish shops to Valampuri Vinayakar Kulu Fishermen by considering the representation of the petitioner dated

28.07.2025.

2.Upon hearing the learned Counsel for the petitioner and perusing the material records of the case, the petitioner has sent a representation to the respondents stating that in Thirupulani Village, Ramanathapuram District, a famous Temple, namely "Athi Jaganatha Perumal Temple" is situated. The fish is being sold on the way to the Temple in an unhygienic manner. Therefore, considering the same, ten shops were constructed near the Union Office and a pathway facility was also made. Earlier when an attempt was made and the shops were open, since the customers were not coming there, the shops were closed. Without utilizing the ten shops, the same is being put to disuse and the said newly built shops now lie as an eyesore with all kinds of waste being dumped and the cattle being roaming in the said premises. Therefore, the petitioner now wants to re-allot the same to the members of the petitioner.

3.In reply thereof, the learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of the Block Development Officer, Thirupulani, would submit that it is true that earlier when the shops were allotted, all these vendors did not continue the same and consequently, it was vacated and now it is under the lock and key. Since it is felt by everyone concerned that the fish market can now move to the said place, steps are now being taken to once again clean the premises once the Model Code of Conduct expires, auction will be conducted for allotting the shops. Earlier, the shops were given to a different co-operative Society.

4.In view thereof, this Writ Petition is disposed on the following terms:

(1)As submitted, let the 4th respondent clean up the said premises as early as possible and put it up for public auction once the Model Code of Conduct is over;

(2)The members of the petitioner Cooperative Society or any other Cooperative Society will be entitled to participate in the same and due preference will be given to them, as per the Government orders passed from time to time.

(3)It is made clear that this Court has not expressed any opinion with reference to the merits of the claim of the petitioner or any other person. No costs.

NCC :Yes / No

30.03.2026 cmr To

1.The District Collector, Collectorate Buildings, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503.

2.The Deputy Director of Fisheries (Marine), Integrated Buildings, Collectorate Complex, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503.

3.The Assistant Director of Fisheries (Marine), Integrated Buildings, Collectorate Complex, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503.

4.The Block Development Officer, Office of the Block Development Officer, Thirupulani, Ramnad District.

5.The District Health Officer, O/o. the District Health Office, 9R9P+J2P, Vivekgander Salai, Kenikarai, Ramanathapuram 623 504.

D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY, J.

cmr

30.03.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 30.03.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE D.BHARATHA CHAKRAVARTHY Nagarajan Ex-President, FRD 55 Athiyatchapuram Fishermen Co-operative Society, Thinaikuklam Post, Keelakarai Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. ... Petitioner vs. 1.The District Collector, Collectorate Buildings, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503. 2.The Deputy Director of Fisheries (Marine), Integrated Buildings, Collectorate Complex, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503. 3.The Assistant Director of Fisheries (Marine), Integrated Buildings, Collectorate Complex, Mandapam Road, Ramanathapuram 623 503. 4.The Block Development Officer, Office of the Block Development Officer, Thirupulani, Ramnad District. 5.The District Health Officer, O/o. the District Health Office, 9R9P+J2P, Vivekgander Salai, Kenikarai, Ramanathapuram 623 504. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India for issuance of Writ of Mandamus, to direct the respondents to allot the newly constructed 10 Fish Shops to Valampuri Vinayakar Kulu Fishermen by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 28.07.2025 and within a time frame limit as fixed by this Court. For Petitioner :Mr.S.Karthikeyan For R1 to R3 and R5 :Mr.M.Lingadurai Special Government Pleader For R4 :Mr.N.Ramesh Arumugam *****