Ranjith Kumar v. The District Collector

ORDER Heard the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. Considering the nature of relief to be granted, issuance of notice to the seventh respondent is dispensed with.

2.The writ petitioner is a resident of Thirumangalam Taluk. He alleges that in the petition mentioned survey number, there are encroachment. He wants them to remove the same.

3.When the matter was taken up for hearing, the learned Special Government Pleader admitted that the petition mentioned survey number has been classified as "water body".

4.We direct the fifth respondent to conduct survey after issuing notices to all the encroachers / interested parties including the private respondent herein. Survey exercise shall be done within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. If encroachments are noticed, the fourth respondent shall remove the encroachments as per the provisions of Tamil Nadu Urban Local Bodies Act, 1998. The entire exercise shall be completed within a period of five months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5.This Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs.

[G.R.S., J.] [B.P., J.]

19.02.2026

NCC : Yes / No Internet : Yes / No Index : Yes / No MGA To

1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai -20.

2.The Executive Engineer, Water Resource Department, Periyar Vaigai Basin Division, Madurai Region, Madurai – 2.

3.The Superintendent of Engineer, Water Resource Department, Periyar Vaigai Basin Division, Madurai Region, Madurai – 2.

4.The Commissioner, Thirumangalam Municipality, Thirumangalam,

5.The Tahsildar, Thirumangalam Taluk Office, Thirumangalam Taluk,

6.The Block Development Officer, Thirumangalam Union, Thirumangalam Town Taluk, G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J and

B.PUGALENDHI, J. MGA

19.02.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 19.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI Ranjith Kumar ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai -20. 2.The Executive Engineer, Water Resource Department, Periyar Vaigai Basin Division, Madurai Region, Madurai – 2. 3.The Superintendent of Engineer, Water Resource Department, Periyar Vaigai Basin Division, Madurai Region, Madurai – 2. 4.The Commissioner, Thirumangalam Municipality, Thirumangalam, 5.The Tahsildar, Thirumangalam Taluk Office, Thirumangalam Taluk, 6.The Block Development Officer, Thirumangalam Union, Thirumangalam Town Taluk, 7. Jeyakodi ... Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing 1 to 6 Respondents to remove the encroachment made by the 7th Respondent in old Survey No.117/2 in New Survey Number 7/2 classified as water channel situated at Block-8, Ward -A, Sengulam Village, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District consequently restore the water channel in original position on the basis of the petitioner's representation dated 03.06.2024 within time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.K.Anandraj For Respondents : Mr.C.Venkatesh Kumar Special Government Pleader for R.1 to R.3, R.5 & R.6 No Appearance for R.4