IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 10-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI WP No. 9898 of 2026 and W.M.P.No.10687 of 2026

1. Ramakrishnan S/o.Perumal, Membership No.466, Sengodappati, Palacode Post,Dharmapuri District.

2. Chinnavan, S/o.Kuppan, Membership No.371 Vazhaithottam, Ernali Post, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri Distrit.

3. Chinnamari S/o.Kaveri, Membership No.545,Vazhaithottam, Ernali Post, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District.

4. Thangaraj S/o.Vandikkara Chinnavan, Membership No.1175, Vazhaithottam, Ernali Post, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District.

5. Marappan, S/o.Kundan, Membership No.803, Karakoor Post, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District ..Petitioner(s)

Vs

1. The State of Tamil Nadu Rep.by the Secretary to Government, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Department, Secretariat, Chennai - 600 009

2. The Director of Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries Campus, Nandanam, Chennai - 600 035.

3. The District Collector Dharmapuri District, Dharmapuri

4. The Regional Level Redressal Committee Rep. by its Deputy Director of Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Dharmapuri Region, Opp. Collectorate, Dharmapuri.

5. The Deputy Director, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare, Inland Fisheries, Dharmapuri Region, Opp. Collectorate, Dharmapuri

6. The Assistant Director of Fisheries, Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare Board, Inland Fisheries, Dharmapuri

7. KK199 Palacode Paruvatha Rajakula Fishermen Cooperative Society, Chinnaru Dam, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District, Rep. by its Administrative Officer.

..Respondent(s)

Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India for issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus calling for the records of the 5^th respondent issued vide order in Na.Ka.No.2558/E/2018 dated 06.03.2026, quash the same and direct the respondents to grant extension of lease period for two years for fishing in the Kesarkuli Allah Dam, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District and till such time permit the petitioners to carry the fishing activity in the Kesarkuli Allah Dam For Petitioner(s): Mr.V.Elangovan For Respondent(s): Mrs.V.Yamuna Devi for R1 to R6 Special Government Pleader

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed to call for the records of the 5^th respondent relating to the order in Na.Ka.No.2558/E/2018 dated 06.03.2026 and quash the same and direct the respondents to grant extension of lease period for two years for fishing in the Kesarkuli Allah Dam, Palacode Taluk, Dharmapuri District and till such time permit the petitioners to carry the fishing activity in the Kesarkuli Allah Dam.

2. With consent on either side, the main Writ Petition itself is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 6 and perused the entire documents placed on record.

3. It is the case of the petitioners that the petitioners are the members of the 7^th respondent Society and fishing right of the dam, viz., Kersarkuli Allah Dam, which is under the control of the Fisheries Department, was leased out to the 7^th respondent Society in Se.Mu.No.2558/E/2018-1 dated 03.03.2021 for the period from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026, i.e., for a period of five years (03.03.2021 to 02.03.2026). However, out of five years lease period, for two years, there was no fishing activity due to low water level in the dam. In order to compensate the loss and damages, the respondents have to extend the lease period for further period of two years, therefore, the petitioner made a representation dated 03.01.2026. Since no orders have been passed, earlier, the petitioner preferred W.P.No.4635 of 2026 and this Court by an order dated 10.02.2026 disposed of the said Writ Petition. Based on the above said order, the 5^th respondent issued enquiry notice and the petitioner appeared for the enquiry. Instead of placing the grievance before the 4^th respondent, the 5^th respondent with