Vijaya v. The District Collector

ORDER The Writ Petition has been filed seeking a writ of mandamus forbearing the respondents from constructing a drainage channel on the petitioner's patta land comprised in Old Survey No.254, New Survey Nos.254/1A, 254/2B1, 254/2B3, 254/5A, 254/5C and 254/6B, situated at Muthalaikulam Revenue Village, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District, both at present and in future, by considering the petitioner's representation dated 01.07.2026 and reminder dated 10.07.2026.

¶2Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and Mr. R. Ramasamy, learned Counsel for the State, who takes notice on behalf of respondent Nos.1 to 3.

¶3Since no adverse order is going to be passed against the fourth respondent, notice to the fourth respondent is dispensed with.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is the owner of the subject property. According to him, the official respondents are attempting to construct a drainage channel through the petitioner's patta land. Aggrieved by the proposed action, the present writ petition has been filed. He further submitted that the grievance of the petitioner is essentially with regard to the stagnation of water in front of the petitioner's house and requested that appropriate directions may be issued to the official respondents to ensure that the stagnated water is properly drained without encroaching upon the petitioner's patta land.

¶5Per contra, the learned Counsel for the State submitted that the official respondents have no intention of constructing any drainage channel through the petitioner's patta land. He further submitted that the authorities will take appropriate steps, in accordance with law, to prevent the stagnation of water in front of the petitioner's house by adopting a suitable alternative method, without affecting the petitioner's property rights.

¶6Recording the above submission made by the learned Counsel for the State, this Writ Petition stands disposed of with a direction to the official respondents to take appropriate steps, in accordance with law, to prevent the stagnation of water in front of the petitioner's house without encroaching upon or constructing any drainage channel through the petitioner's patta land, unless the same is acquired or dealt with in the manner known to law.

¶7With the above direction, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petitions are closed.

17.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No TSG To

1.The District Collector, Madurai District.

2.The Assistant Director of Panchayats (Village Panchayats), Collectorate, Madurai.

3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Usilampatti, Madurai District.

4.The Tahsildar, Usilampatti, Madurai District.

5.The Block Development Officer, Chellampatti, Madurai District.

M.DHANDAPANI, J. TSG

17.07.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 17.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P.(MD).No.15022 of 2026 Vijaya ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Madurai District. 2.The Assistant Director of Panchayats (Village Panchayats), Collectorate, Madurai. 3.The Revenue Divisional Officer, Usilampatti, Madurai District. 4.The Tahsildar, Usilampatti, Madurai District. 5.The Block Development Officer, Chellampatti, Madurai District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the respondents from constructing drainage channel on the petitioner's patta land comprised in Old Survey No.254, New Survey Nos.254/1A, 254/2B1, 254/2B3, 254/5A, 254/5C, 254/6B situated at Muthalaikulam Revenue Village, Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District at present and in future by considering the representation dated 01.07.2026 and its remainder dated 10.07.2026. For Petitioner : Mr.C.Senthil Murugan For R-1 to R-4 : Mr.R.Ramasamy, Counsel for State