Jayakumar v. The Director of Land Survey

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the fourth respondent to conduct a detailed enquiry pursuant to the proceedings of the first respondent dated 30.05.2015 and submit a report within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court, and consequently directing the first respondent to pass appropriate orders on merits based on the said report within a stipulated period.

¶2The petitioner's father-in-law was a freedom fighter. The Government allotted land in Survey No. 42/2A to him vide proceedings of the District Collector dated 11.07.1949. The petitioner's father-in-law had two daughters, namely, Krishnammaal and Thanalakshmi. The petitioner is the husband of Thanalakshmi, who died leaving behind the petitioner and their two sons. The legal heirs of Krishnammaal also claiming rights over the said property. While so, the revenue authorities classified the subject property as a water body in the revenue records. Aggrieved by the same, the petitioner filed W.P.(MD) No. 13153 of 2012 before this Court. Pursuant to the directions issued therein, the first respondent passed an order dated 30.05.2015 directing the fourth respondent to conduct a detailed enquiry into the matter and pass appropriate orders. In the said proceedings, specific directions were issued to the fourth respondent to verify all relevant records and submit a report. Inspite of the order passed as early as 2015, the fourth respondent has not passed any subsequent orders. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.

¶3In view of the above, the fourth respondent is directed to issue notice to the petitioner, the legal heirs of Krishnammaal, and any other rival claimants, if any and thereafter, conduct an enquiry and pass appropriate orders within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

¶4With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

01.06.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes jbr To:

¶1The Director of Land Survey, Office of the Commissionerate of Survey and Settlement, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005.

¶2The Settlement Officer,, Land Survey and Settlement, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005.

¶3The District Collector,, Madurai District, Madurai.

¶4The District Revenue Officer, Madurai District, Madurai.

¶5The Tahsidlar, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District. S.SRIMATHY

, J.

jbr DATED : 01.06.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 01.06.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MRS.JUSTICE S.SRIMATHY Jayakumar ... Petitioner Vs 1. The Director of Land Survey, Office of the Commissionerate of Survey and Settlement, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005. 2. The Settlement Officer,, Land Survey and Settlement, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005. 3. The District Collector,, Madurai District, Madurai. 4. The District Revenue Officer, Madurai District, Madurai. 5. The Tahsidlar, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District. ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, to direct the 4th respondent to conduct a detailed enquiry in pursuance of the proceedings of the 1st respondent dated 30.05.2015 and submit a report within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court, and consequently direct the 1st respondent to pass appropriate orders on merits based on such report within a stipulated time. For Petitioner : Mr.Maheswaran.R For Respondents : Mr.S.Siva Thilakar Counsel for State of Tamil Nadu