B.Nagamuthuraja v. The District Collector
Case brief
What is this about?
Encroachment and fish-farm effluent pollution of village water bodies (classified Periyakulam and Vedankulam), Survey Nos.881 and 882/1, Veerakuduban Kanmai, Old Batlagundu Village, Nilakottai Taluk, Dindigul District. Petitioner B.Nagamuthuraja versus Murugan (fifth respondent) and revenue/PWD authorities (District Collector, RDO, Tahsildar, BDO, Executive Engineer WRD Manjalaru Basin impleaded suo motu). PWD-owned water bodies; Executive Engineer WRD held competent authority; Tahsildar directed to survey with prior notice; independent inspection ordered; conditional abatement of pollution and removal of encroachment subject to due process and hearing; four-month completion deadline; writ disposed, no costs; Article 226 mandamus; Madurai Bench, decision dated 18.09.2025.
What did the court decide?
Directions issued: the Tahsildar (R-3) to survey the water bodies after notice to the fifth respondent and other interested persons; the Executive Engineer, WRD (R-6) to undertake an independent inspection; if pollution and encroachment are found true, appropriate action to abate them and remove the encroachment, observing due process and giving R-5 opportunity to present his case; entire exercise to be completed within four months; no costs.