Palpandi v. The District Collector / Monitoring Committee

O R D E R (Order of the Court was made by M.DHANDAPANI, J.) This Writ Petition has been filed for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 3 to take appropriate action for removal of encroachment and restore the pathway for the free use of the general public by conducting a proper survey and measurement of the public pathway comprised in Survey Nos.642/1B2, 642/1C1, 642/2A1, 642/2B1, 642/3B1 and 642/3C1, situated at Vadapatti Revenue Village, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District, with reference to the Field Measurement Book (FMB) and revenue records, by considering the petitioner's representations dated 21.06.2026 and 30.07.2026 and demarcating the actual boundaries of the said public pathway within a time frame.

¶2Heard the learned counsel for the parties. By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

¶3The petitioner asserts that the pathway comprised in Survey Nos. 642/1B2, 642/1C1, 642/2A1, 642/2B1, 642/3B1 and 642/3C1, situated at Vadapatti Revenue Village, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District, is a public pathway being used by the general public. According to the petitioner, certain encroachments have been made over the said pathway, thereby obstructing its free use by the general public. The petitioner has submitted representations dated

21.06.2026 and 30.07.2026 before the respondents seeking removal of the encroachments, restoration of the pathway and demarcation of its actual boundaries by conducting a proper survey and measurement with reference to the Field Measurement Book (FMB) and the relevant revenue records. Since no effective action has been taken on the said representations, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

¶4The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that it would suffice if this Court issues a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.07.2026 and pass appropriate orders thereon, on merits and in accordance with law, within a time frame to be fixed by this Court.

¶5The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the official respondents, on instructions, would submit that the authority concerned will consider the petitioner's grievance and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law.

¶6Considering the above facts and circumstances of the case and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents 1 to 3 to consider the petitioner's representation dated 30.07.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law, after issuing notice to all necessary parties and affording them an opportunity of hearing. The entire exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. [M.D.I.,J.] & [N.D.K.,J.]

18.08.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes PKN To

¶1The District Collector / Monitoring Committee, District Collector Office, Virudhunagar District.

¶2The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District.

¶3The Special Tahsildar, (Match and Fire Works Unit Inspection) Taluk Office, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District. M.DHANDAPANI

, J.

and

N.DILIP KUMAR, J. PKN

18.08.2026

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 18.08.2026 CORAM: THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE N.DILIP KUMAR Palpandi ... Petitioner vs. 1. The District Collector / Monitoring Committee, District Collector Office, Virudhunagar District. 2. The Tahsildar, Taluk Office, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 3. The Special Tahsildar, (Match and Fire Works Unit Inspection) Taluk Office, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District. 4. Sathuragiri ... Respondents PRAYER : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the Respondent Nos.1 to 3 to take appropriate action for removal of encroachment and restore the said pathway for the free use of the general public by conducting a proper survey and measurement of the public pathway comprised in Survey Nos.642/1B2, 642/1C1, 642/2A1, 642/2B1, 642/3B1 and 642/3C1, situated at Vadapatti Revenue Village, Sivakasi Taluk, Virudhunagar District, with reference to the Field Measurement Book (FMB), revenue records by considering the petitioner representation dated 21.06.2026, 30.07.2026 and demarcate the actual boundaries of the said public pathway within a time frame. For Petitioner : Mr. P.Ponraj For Respondents : Mr.G.Mohan Kumar (R1 to R3) Additional Government Pleader : Mr.P.Saravanakumar (R4)