Mandamus directing authorities to consider representation against illegal burial ground on government land after hearing parties.

(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.)

The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to respondents 1 to 6 not to grant any permission or licence to the seventh respondent or any other person to establish a burial ground (Kabristan) in the Government lands comprised in Survey Nos.1/1 and 1/2, situated at Melapalayam Town, Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli District, and to maintain the said lands in accordance with the Government revenue records, based on the petitioner’s representations dated 08.01.2026 and

25.01.2026.

2.By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission itself.

3.Mr.A.Kannan, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the respondents 1 to 4; Mr.S.A.Ajmal Khan, learned counsel, accepts notice for the fifth respondent; and Mr.Sivanu Pandian, learned Standing Counsel, accepts notice for the sixth respondent. Considering the limited relief sought by the petitioner, notice to the seventh respondent is dispensed with.

4.It is the contention of the petitioner that the seventh respondent and his family members are attempting to illegally encroach upon the Government lands in order to establish a burial ground (Kabristan) for their own convenience. It is further contended that the seventh respondent is attempting to encroach upon and obstruct the public pathway leading to Annai Hajira College and the banks of Kannimarkulam, and by merging the Thaikka land with the waterbody, they intend to create a large burial ground within a residential area. According to the petitioner, establishment of a burial ground at the said location would pose serious risks, including pollution of groundwater, which is the primary source of water for residents and worshippers at the Thaikka, and may also result in public health concerns and environmental degradation in a densely populated area. It is further stated that a portion of the land in Survey No.1/2 is associated with Gnaniyar Sahib Thaikka and constitutes wakf property, and that any such conversion by the private respondent would be in violation of revenue as well as wakf laws. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 25.01.2026 before the authorities concerned. As the same has not been considered thus far, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

5.The learned counsels appearing for respondents 1 to 6 submitted that the petitioner’s representation dated 25.01.2026 would be considered by the authorities concerned, on merits and in accordance with law, within the time stipulated by this Court.

6.Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the petitioner’s claim, this Court directs the authorities concerned to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 25.01.2026 and pass appropriate orders, on merits and in accordance with law, after affording due opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner, the seventh respondent, as well as any other interested parties. Such exercise shall be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.