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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 18694

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
SUSHRUT ARVIND DHARMADHIKARI, CJ, G.ARUL MURUGAN, J
S.Thomas Florance – Appellant
Versus
The Commissioner Coimbatore Corporation – Respondent
WP No.8550 of 2026 | WMP No.9242 of 2026



Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Mr.M.Ganesh
For the Respondents: Mr.N.Umapathi Standing Counsel for R1 to R3

Writ jurisdiction cannot entertain disputed questions of fact when parallel civil proceedings are initiated for the same relief.

Headnote:In accordance with Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioner filed a writ of mandamus seeking action against unauthorized construction by the respondents on certain land. The court found that the matter involved disputed questions of fact which could not be resolved in writ jurisdiction, especially since a civil suit on the same issue was already pending. The court dismissed the petition, permitting the petitioner to pursue his civil suit.

Table of Content
1. writ petition seeking mandamus for unauthorized construction. (Para 1 , 2)
2. disputed facts require civil suit for resolution. (Para 3)
3. writ petition dismissed, allowing civil action. (Para 4)

Respondent(s)

PRAYER : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing respondents 1 to 3 to take immediate action against the unauthorised, illegal, and unlawful construction put up by respondents 4 and 5 measuring an extent of 950 sq. ft. at Plot No.3, Western Portion in S.F. No.129, G.K. Square, Kuruchi, Coimbatore District, by considering the petitioner’s representations dated 02.09.2025, 30.10.2025 and

24.11.2025 in accordance with law within a time frame.

For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.Ganesh For Respondent: Mr.N.Umapathi Standing Counsel for R1 to R3 ORDER (Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice)

The petitioner has filed this writ petition seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus to direct respondent Nos.1 to 3 to take immediate action against the unauthorised, illegal, and unlawful construction put up by respondents 4 and 5 measuring an extent of

950 sq. ft. at Plot No.3, Western Portion in S.F. No.129, G.K. Square, Kuruchi, Coimbatore District, by considering the petitioner’s representations dated 02.09.2025, 30.10.2025 and 24.11.2025.

2. It is submitted by learned counsel for the petitioner that respondent Nos.4 and 5 have put up unauthorised construction in contravention of the building plan permission and by encroaching upon the petitioner’s land as well as public road. It is further submitted that, while putting up the said construction, the private respondents have damaged the pipeline connection of the petitioner. In this regard, though representations were sent to the respondent authorities on 02.09.2025, 30.10.2025 and 24.11.2025, no action has been taken till date.

3. Whether or not the private respondents have encroached upon the land of the petitioner can be determined only based on evidence to be led by the parties. Such disputed questions of fact cannot be redressed by invoking writ jurisdiction. That apart, it is not in dispute that seeking identical relief the petitioner has already filed a civil suit before the District Munsif Court, Mudukkarai, Coimbatore. Once the petitioner has filed a civil suit seeking identical relief, he cannot initiate parallel proceedings by knocking the doors of this court seeking invocation of discretionary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

4. In such view of the matter, the writ petition is dismissed with liberty to pursue the suit before the civil court. There shall be no order as to costs. Consequently, interim application stands closed.

We make it clear that we have not made any observation on the merits of the matter. The civil court shall decide the suit on merits, uninfluenced by any observations made in this order.

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