A public interest writ petition sought demolition of a primary health centre allegedly built on Putheri Lake and its restoration. Inspection by officials found the construction stood on Government Poramboke land, not the lake, and no rejoinder was filed; the court dismissed the petition.
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W.P.No.16686 of 2024
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 24.04.2026
CORAM :
THE HONOURABLE MR. SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CHIEF JUSTICE AND
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN
W.P.No.16686 of 2024 and W.M.P.No.18324 of 2024
Pattabiraman. V, S/o.V.Venupillai, No.39, West Mada Street, Nandambakkam Kudiyurrupu S.O, Kancheepuram District-600 089.
Petitioner
Vs
1.The Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Works Department, Govt. Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu - 600009.
2.The Additional Chief Secretary to Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department, Govt. Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai, Tamil Nau - 600009.
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W.P.No.16686 of 2024
3.The District Collector of Chengalpattu District, Collectorate, GST Road, Chengalpattu -603 001.
4.The Chief Engineer to Govt of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department, Chepauk, Chennai -600 005.
5.The Commissioner, Tambaram Municipal Corporation, No. 28, Muthuranga Mudali Street, Tambaram West, Chennai -600 045.
Respondents
PRAYER: Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to demolish the construction put up by the 5th respondent and remove the encroachment made in the Putheri Lake and to restore Putheri Lake in its natural and pristine state.
For Petitioner: Ms.Y.Kavitha for M/s.PVS Giridhar Associates Law Chambers
For Respondents: Mr.A.Edwin Prabakar State Government Pleader for R1 to R4
Mr. P.Srinivas Standing Counsel for R5
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W.P.No.16686 of 2024
ORDER
(Order of the Court was made Arul Murugan, J. )
Heard.
Page 3 of 6
W.P.No.16686 of 2024
T.S.No.54/1, which is classified as “Government Poramboke - Kalam” and there is no encroachment as alleged on the lake.
(SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J) 24.04.2026 Index : Yes/No Neutral Citation : Yes/No bbr
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W.P.No.16686 of 2024
To:
1.The Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Works Department, Govt. Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai, Tamil Nadu -600009.
2.The Additional Chief Secretary to Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department, Govt. Secretariat, Fort St. George, Chennai, Tamil Nau -600009.
5.The Commissioner, Tambaram Municipal Corporation, No. 28, Muthuranga Mudali Street, Tambaram West, Chennai -600 045.
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W.P.No.16686 of 2024
THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,J.
bbr
W.P.No.16686 of 2024
24.04.2026
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1 issue framed by the court
Whether a primary health centre constructed by the 5th respondent constituted an encroachment on Putheri Lake warranting demolition and restoration.
1 provisions across 1 enactments
Pattabiraman. V
The Secretary to Government of Tamil Nadu, Public Works Department
The Additional Chief Secretary to Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department
The District Collector of Chengalpattu District
The Chief Engineer to Govt of Tamil Nadu, Water Resources Department
The Commissioner, Tambaram Municipal Corporation
Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari
G. Arul Murugan
As recorded by the court registry
Judgements on the same questions, provisions and authorities, from every court
