M.Thanigachallam v. The Secretary

O R D E R This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to hand over possession of the land in Survey No.252/2, measuring 0.69.5 ares, situated in Vania Vallam Group, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, which was acquired for the purpose of construction of Samathuvapuram, as the same has not been utilised for the purpose for which it was acquired.

¶2The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the purpose for which the petitioner's land was acquired, namely construction of Samathuvapuram, has not been carried out and the land remains unutilised. Therefore, the unutilised land may be returned to the petitioner. Page No. 2 of 5

¶3Admittedly, the land was acquired prior to the year 2000. After acquisition, compensation was paid and accepted by the petitioner. According to the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent, the petitioner had also approached the Court in L.A.O.P. seeking enhancement of compensation and the enhanced amount, as directed by the Court, was also paid and accepted by the petitioner. Therefore, the acquisition has attained finality.

¶4Though the land acquired for a public purpose has not been utilised, under the old enactment there is no provision for returning or reassigning the unutilised land. In the above circumstances, the question of considering any request for return of the land does not arise. Accordingly, this Writ Petition lacks bona fides.

¶5Therefore, this Writ Petition is dismissed. No costs. [K.SURENDER, J.]

10.02.2026 JEN Index : Yes / No Page No. 3 of 5 To

1.The Secretary, Aadi Dravidar Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai.

2.The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate, Ramanathapuram.

3.The District Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer, Office of the Collectorate, Ramanathapuram

4.The Special Thasildar, Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Taluk Office, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District.

5.The Thasildar, Taluk Office, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. Page No. 4 of 5 K.SURENDER

, J.

JEN

10.02.2026 Page No. 5 of 5

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 10.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER M.Thanigachallam ... Petitioner Vs. 1.The Secretary, Aadi Dravidar Welfare Department, Secretariat, Chennai. 2.The District Collector, Office of the Collectorate, Ramanathapuram. 3.The District Adi Dravidar Welfare Officer, Office of the Collectorate, Ramanathapuram 4.The Special Thasildar, Adi Dravidar Welfare Department, Taluk Office, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District. 5.The Thasildar, Taluk Office, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to hand Page No. 1 of 5 over the lands in Survey No.252/2 to an extent of land 0.69.5 ares of lands in Vania Vallam Group, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District which was acquired for the purpose of construction of SAMATHUVAPURAM and the same is not utilized for the purpose for acquired. For Petitioner : Mr.D.Senthil For Respondents : Mr.B.Ramanathan Additional Government Pleader