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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 39741
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
S. Sounthar, P.B. Balaji, JJ
S. Praveen Kumar – Appellant
Versus
The Commisioner – Respondent
WP No. 18532 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Mr. R. Sriram
For the Respondents: Ms.K.Aswini Devi
Public authorities must act on representations seeking removal of unlawful encroachments on public roads and pavements to ensure safe passage for citizens.
Headnote:This petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeks a writ of mandamus directing the Greater Chennai Corporation and its officers to remove encroachments, bunk shops, carts, unauthorized parking, and garbage dumping from the pavements and roadside of Moores Road in Nungambakkam, Chennai, and to restore the footpaths for safe public use. The petitioner, a frequent user of the road, complained of illegal encroachments obstructing footpaths and lodged a detailed representation and online complaint with the Corporation, but no action was taken. The Court directed the third respondent to consider the petitioner’s complaint dated 28.02.2026 and pass final orders within six weeks of receipt of the order.
| Table of Content |
|---|
| 1. summary of writ petition and facts regarding encroachments (Para 1 , 2) |
| 2. arguments and response regarding complaint status (Para 3 , 4) |
| 3. court direction and disposal of petition (Para 5 , 6) |
(Order of the Court was made by S.Sounthar J.)
Writ Petition has been instituted seeking direction to the Respondents to forthwith remove all encroachments on the pavements and roadside of Moores Road, Zone No. 9, Ward no 111, Nungambakkam, Chennai, including the permanent / semi - permanent bunk shops / carts, unauthorised parking of Vehicles and garbage dumping and restore the footpaths and road to its original condition for the free and safe use of the petitioner.
2. The case of the petitioner is that petitioner is a frequent user of Moores Road, Zone No. 9, Ward No. 111, Nungambakkam, Chennai, for his work. It is the grievance of the petitioner that the pavements/footpaths and both sides of Moores Road have been illegally encroached upon by permanent and semi- permanent structures, bunk shops, carts, unauthorized parking of vehicles, and dumping of garbage and waste materials. The petitioner states that he submitted a detailed representation to the respondent Corporation and also lodged an online complaint with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Cell under the caption “Removal of Shops in the Footpath”. However, no action has been taken so far.
3. Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that petitioner submitted an online complaint bearing ID.No.2026-782LFT in the portal of Greater Chennai Corporation.
4. Ms.K.Aswini Devi, learned Standing Counsel takes notice for the respondents and would submit that inspection will be conducted and action will be taken.
5. In view of the above submission, 3rd respondent is directed to consider the complaint of the petitioner dated 28.02.2026 and pass final orders within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. With the above direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs.
