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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 44966
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
S. Srimathy, J
Rani alias Shanmugathammal – Appellant
Versus
The District Collector – Respondent
W.P(MD)No.10650 of 2026
For the Appellants/Petitioners: A.K. Manikkam
For the Respondents: S. Jeya Priya
The court directed revenue authorities to conduct a land survey and correct the Field Measurement Book (FMB) following a specific Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) that requires formal notice and signed acknowledgment of satisfaction or protest by the petitioner.
Headnote:(A) Land Survey - Field Measurement Book (FMB) - Correction of errors - Direction to conduct survey following a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to ensure transparency and the recording of the party's satisfaction or protest. (Para 5)
Issues: Whether the respondents should be directed to conduct a proper survey and effect necessary corrections in the Field Measurement Book (FMB) based on the petitioner's representation.
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| 1. the petitioner seeks a writ of mandamus for the correction of the field measurement book (fmb) regarding a pathway in her property. (Para 1 , 2 , 3 , 4) |
| 2. the court establishes a standard operating procedure (sop) for land surveys to ensure transparency and party consent. (Para 5) |
| 3. the writ petition is disposed of with specific directions to the official respondents. (Para 6) |
O R D E R
This Court suo-motu impleads The Assistant Director of Survey and Settlement, Thoothukudi Regision, as the third respondent.
2. This petition has been filed seeking to direct the respondents herein to conduct a proper survey in the pathway and effect necessary correction in the Field Measurement Book(FMB) relating to S.No.384, Natham Resurvey No.1641/24 situated at Mudivaithanendhal Village, Thoothukudi Taluk and District by considering the Petitioner’s representation dated 28.01.2026.
3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the property comprised in Survey No.384, Natham Re-Survey No.1641/24, originally belonged to the petitioner’s husband, namely Suruli Velayudham, who had two sons, namely S. Sankaranarayanan and S. Vallinayagam. After the demise of the petitioner’s husband, the legal heirs executed a Release Deed dated 12.07.2021 in favour of the petitioner, whereby she became the absolute owner of the property measuring an extent of 3.48 cents and has been in possession and enjoyment of the same. Upon verification of the Field Measurement Book (FMB), the petitioner came to know that the pathway which has been in long-standing usage in the petitioner’s property had been incorrectly reflected in the FMB sketch. Hence, the petitioner seeks rectification of the said error.
4. Heard the learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.
5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court directs the petitioner to submit a fresh representation to the 2nd and 3rd respondents within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Upon receipt of such representation, the 2nd respondent is directed to conduct the survey after issuing notice to the petitioner as well as to any rival claimants, if any. If necessary, seek police protection, the Jurisdictional police shall provide police protection to survey the land. In case the petitioner seeks to install the boundary stone, the same may be provided at the cost of the petitioner. The Court is also directing the Official respondents to adhere to the following Standard Operating Procedures:
a. The Official respondents shall issue notice to the petitioner immediately reaching the spot where survey is to be conducted. The petitioner shall affix the signature by receiving the notice of survey.
b. After survey again the petitioner shall affix signature indicating that the survey was conducted to their satisfaction.
c. If the petitioner is not satisfied, then also the petitioner shall affix signature indicating their dissatisfaction or with protest. The petitioner shall indicate that reason of their dissatisfaction or protest.
The aforesaid procedure shall be strictly followed by the parties. Based on the above survey report, the 3rd respondent is directed to pass appropriate orders within a period of 12 weeks therefrom.
6. With the above directions, this Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs.
