The High Court may direct a statutory authority to consider and dispose of a pending representation within a specified timeframe, without delving into the substantive merits of the dispute.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 29.04.2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P.No. 16994 of 2026 and W.M.P.No.18305 of 2026 J.Kalaimani ...Petitioner Vs.

The Director, National Highways Authority of India, D.No.11/1, Kongu Nagar South, Appasamy Apartment Backside, Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore.

...Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 06.02.2026 within a stipulated time fixed by this Court and consequently, direct the respondent to shift the proposed construction of pedestrian overbridge in front of the subject property situated in Survey No.400/1C at Arasur Village, Coimbatore, to an adjacent vacant government land.

For Petitioner : Mr.Sam Jayaraj Houston for M/s.Sarvabhauman Associates For Respondent : Mr.M.Rajendiran Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 06.02.2026 and shift the proposed construction of pedestrian overbridge in front of the property situated in Survey No.400/1C at Arasur Village, Coimbatore, to an adjacent vacant government land.

2. The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner is the owner of the subject property and he leased out the property to a private entity. While so, on 28.01.2026, the Officials of the respondent National Highways Authority of India surveyed the road area situated in front of the petitioner’s property and proposed to construct pedestrian overbridge in front of the petitioner’s property which will restrict the petitioner’s ingress and egress of the property. Thereby, the petitioner made a representation on 06.02.2026, however, no order was passed. Hence, the present writ petition has been filed.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that it would suffice, if the respondent is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 06.02.2026 on merits and in accordance with law, within a specified period.

4. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent.

5. In view of the limited request made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner dated 06.02.2026 and pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

6. Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Connected miscellaneous petition is closed.