2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 40120
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
W.P.(MD)NO.9522 OF 2026
DATED : 09.04.2026
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN
AND
THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI
W.P.(MD)No.9522 of 2026
S.James ... Petitioner
Vs.
1. The District Collector, Trichy District.
2. The District Revenue Officer, Trichy District.
3. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Srirangam Taluk, Trichy District.
4. The Tahsildar, Srirangam Taluk, Trichy District.
5. Venito ... Respondents
For Petitioner : Mr.A.Joseph Jerry
For Respondents : Mr.C.Venkatesh Kumar, Special Government Pleader.
Prayer:
Writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, issuing a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 4 to remove encroachments made by the fifth respondent in “Kuttai” in survey No.511, Navalur Kuttapattu Village, Srirangam Taluk, Trichy District based on the representation dated 29.09.2025.
O R D E R
Heard the learned counsel appearing for the writ petitioner and the learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 4.
2. Issuance of notice to the fifth respondent is dispensed with.
3. The petitioner is a resident of Navalur Kuttappattu Village, Srirangam Taluk. He alleges that in survey No.511, there are encroachments and that the same have to be removed.
4. When the matter was taken for hearing, the learned Special Government Pleader conceded that survey No.511 has been classified as “Kuttai”. Since it is a water body, encroachment therein cannot be permitted.
5. The fourth respondent is directed to issue notice to the private respondent and other encroachers if any, conduct survey and if the encroachments are noticed, then by adhering to due process of law, the encroachments shall be removed. The entire exercise will be completed within a period of six months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. It is quite possible that some of the occupants belong to economically disadvantaged section. They are permitted to submit their applications before the first respondent for allotment of alternative sites / accommodation. Subject to their eligibility and fulfillment of the existing norms, the first respondent may favorably consider the same. This writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.