R.Sakkarai Mohammed v. The Principal Secretary to Govt

ORDER (Order of the Court was made by C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.) The writ petition had been filed seeking a direction to the respondents to renovate the infrastructure and pathway leading to Kutladampatti Falls located in Vadipatti Taluk, Madurai District.

¶2It had been contended in the writ petition that the waterfalls is one of the main tourist destination in Madurai. It had been stated that however, during Ghaja cyclone in the year 2018, the surrounding area of constructions done by the Government were severely damaged and therefore, it was not possible for access for the general public. It is under those circumstances that after giving representation, the writ petition has been filed.

¶3A counter affidavit had been filed by the third respondent/District Forest Officer, Madurai Division, wherein, he had stated that during the Ghaja cyclone, a huge rock weighing more than 2 tonnes fell down and completely shattered the bathing platform and also the pathway leading to the waterfalls and therefore, it is not safe to any tourist to visit.

¶4In view of that fact, a ban had been imposed for the general public to use the water falls. It had been stated that the forest department at Madurai reported to the Government about the damage and had sought funds to renovate the damaged area, in communication of the District Forest Officer dated 19.11.2018 and 12.11.2018. A further instruction had been obtained from the District Forest Officer, Madurai, wherein, it had been stated that administrative sanction had been accorded for a sum of Rs.2.93 Crores in G.O.Ms.No.378 Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments (T3-2) Department, dated 04.09.2025. A detailed project report was submitted to the Conservator of Forest and Field Director, SMTR, Madurai and the same was verified and approved by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. Thereafter e-tender had been floated, notices had also been issued. There were three tenders which had been floated, the date on which are as follows: S.No Duration of Tender Date of Floating of tender Last date for submission of bid Date

of opening of technical bid Remarks First tender

days (short tender)

26.02.20

05.03.2026

06.03.2026 No one had bidded for the work, re tender called for, for the above work on

12.03.2026 First re-tender

days (short tender)

12.03.20

18.03.2026

19.03.2026 Only one person has bidded and the tender is not opened and re-tender called for, for the work on 14.05.2026 Second re-tender 15 days

14.05.20

28.05.2026

29.05.2026 Only one person has bidded and the tender is not opened It had been further stated that initially e-tender was floated for a period of eight days, since the work had to be completed before the start of monsoon period and to show some financial progress as the end of financial year was approaching. The e-tender was processed for a period of 8 days by getting approval from the Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Srivilliputhur, Megamalai Tiger Reserve, Madurai. During the second time e-tender, election model code of conduct was announced on 15.03.2026. Hence, e-tender was not processed. During the third time, e-tender was floated for a period of 15 days. Only one bidder participated in the tender.

¶5It had been stated that therefore effective steps had been taken to repair the damaged waterfalls and the pathway.

¶6Recording the above report, the writ petition stands closed with a direction to the respondents to continue with their efforts to float tenders to set right the damaged area and the pathway and the falls and open it up for tourist after they are repaired. No costs.

(C.V.K.,J.) (R.S.V,J.)

02.07.2026 Index : Yes/No Internet : Yes/No RR To

¶1The Principal Secretary to Government Environment and Forest Department, Secretariat, Fort.St.George, Chennai – 600009.

¶2The District Collector, O/o. the District Collectorate, Madurai - 625020.

¶3District Forest Officer, Madurai Division, No.2, Race Course Road, Madurai – 625002. C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J AND R.SAKTHIVEL, J W.P.(MD)No.11641 of 2020

02.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 02.07.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE C.V.KARTHIKEYAN AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE R.SAKTHIVEL W.P.(MD)No.11641 of 2020 R.Sakkarai Mohammed S/o. Raja Mohammed, 74a, Paramaguru Street, Ambalakaranpatti, Uthangudi Post, Madurai – 625107. ... Petitioner - Vs. - 1. The Principal Secretary to Government Environment and Forest Department, State of TN Secretaiat, Fort.St.George, Chennai – 600009. 2. The District Collector, O/o. the District Collectorate, Madurai - 625020. 3. District Forest Officer, Madurai Division, No.2, Race Course Road, Madurai – 625002. ... Respondents Prayer in WP(MD). 11641/ 2020 :Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court To issue WRIT of Mandamus or any other writ or direction or order in the nature of writ, directing the respondents to renovate the infrastructure and pathway leading to Kutladampatti Falls located in Vadipatti Tk, Madurai Dt in and expedite Manner. For Petitioner : M/s.R.Alagumani For Respondents : Mr.M.Kannan for R1 to R3 Counsel for State