Marimuthu v. The District Collector/ Monetary committee
Writ Petition (Mandamus) under Article 226 – Encroachment on water body
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, Madurai Bench (W.P.(MD)No.19503 of 2025, decided 24.07.2025, G.R.Swaminathan & B.Pugalendhi, JJ.): resident of Malampatty Village sought mandamus to remove encroachments by Arockiyaraj and Senthil on a water tank/channel in S.F.No.49 and 97, Viralimalai Taluk, Pudukkottai; State conceded the survey number is classified as water body; Tahsildar directed to clear encroachments within four months subject to notice to encroachers and due process; petition disposed of, no costs. Keywords: water body, encroachment, mandamus, Article 226, Tahsildar, due process, four months.
What did the court decide?
Mandamus in effect: third respondent (Tahsildar, Viralimalai Taluk) directed to take effective action to clear the encroachments within four months of receipt of a copy of the order, after putting the encroachers on notice and following due process; notice to respondents 4 and 5 dispensed with; no costs.