THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLE 226 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA READ WITH RULE 14(1) OF THE HIGH COURT OF KARNATAKA (PUBLIC INTEREST LITIGATION) RULES, 2018 PRAYING TO ISSUE A WRIT OF MANDAMUS DIRECTING THE RESPONDENT No.3 TO CONSIDER THE REPRESENTATION OF THE PETITIONERS AS PER ANNEXURE-C DATED 15.12.2025 & ETC.

THIS PETITION, COMING ON FOR PRELIMINARY HEARING, THIS DAY, ORDER WAS MADE THEREIN AS UNDER:

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU, CHIEF JUSTICE

and

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE K.S. HEMALEKHA

ORAL ORDER

(PER: HON'BLE MR. VIBHU BAKHRU, CHIEF JUSTICE)

1. Issue notice.

2. The learned Additional Government Advocate accepts notice for respondent Nos.1 and 2.

3. The petitioners have filed the present petition as a public interest litigation, inter alia, praying as under:

"a) Issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondent No.3 to consider the representation of the petitioners as per Annexure-C dated 15.12.2025.

b) Issue a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to take action against the persons who have involved in altering the natural flow of water to the river situated at Panemangaluru, Bantwala Taluk, Dakshina Kannada District."

4. The petitioners contend that debris is being thrown in a natural water channel which flows to the river Netravati. It is stated that the said channel provides a natural flow of storm water from areas surrounding the valley, which is known as "Sadri Valley". The said valley is about 50 to 75 feet wide. The petitioners state that illegal construction and debris thrown in the said channel would result in disruption in the flow of storm water, accumulation of water and flooding. It is also alleged that trees are being illegally cut in the said area.

5. In view of the above, we dispose of the present petition by directing the respondents to consider the averments made in the present petition as a representation and if it is found that debris have thrown into the storm water channel or any illegal activities have been conducted in the said area as alleged by the petitioners, the respondents shall take such action as warranted in accordance with law.