W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 20.07.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 K.Kuthalingam ... Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi. 2.The Project Director/District Mission Director, (Jal Jeevan Mission), Tenkasi District 3.The Block Development Officer, (Village Panchayat), Alangulam Panchayat Union, Tenkasi District. ... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to release the pending contractual dues payable to the petitioner including 10% beneficiary contribution, Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), 1% Additional Security Deposit (ASD) and other eligible amounts relating to the works executed 1/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 under Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme (2022-2023), by considering the representation of the petitioner dated 12.05.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court. For Petitioner : Mr.R.Mathava Selvam For Respondents : Mr.R.Ramasamy counsel for State ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to release the pending contractual dues payable to the petitioner, including the 10% beneficiary contribution, Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), 1% Additional Security Deposit (ASD), and all other eligible amounts in respect of the works executed by the petitioner under the Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme (2022–2023), by considering the petitioner's representation dated 12.05.2026 and passing appropriate orders thereon within such time as may be stipulated by this Court. 2.By consent of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned counsel for State appearing for the respondents, the Writ Petition itself was taken up for final disposal at the stage of admission. 2/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 3.The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a contractor who had executed various works under the Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme (2022–2023) pursuant to the work orders issued by the respondents. It is submitted that, though the petitioner has satisfactorily completed the entrusted works, the respondents have not released the contractual dues payable to the petitioner, including the 10% beneficiary contribution, Earnest Money Deposit (EMD), 1% Additional Security Deposit (ASD), and other eligible amounts. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 12.05.2026 requesting the respondents to release the said amounts. However, despite the lapse of considerable time, no orders have been passed on the said representation. Aggrieved by the inaction on the part of the respondents, the petitioner has approached this Court by filing the present Writ Petition. 4.The learned counsel for the petitioner further submitted that the petitioner would be satisfied if this Court issues a direction to the competent authority to consider the petitioner's representation dated 3/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 12.05.2026 and pass appropriate orders thereon within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. 5.Having regard to the limited prayer sought for by the petitioner, and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the petitioner's claim, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the competent authority to consider the petitioner's representation dated 12.05.2026, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and to any other interested or affected parties, if any, and thereafter pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law. Such exercise shall be completed as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six (6) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. 20.07.2026 NCC : Yes / No Index : Yes / No ps 4/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 To 1.The District Collector, Tenkasi District, Tenkasi. 2.The Project Director/District Mission Director, (Jal Jeevan Mission), Tenkasi District 3.The Block Development Officer, (Village Panchayat), Alangulam Panchayat Union, Tenkasi District. 5/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 M.DHANDAPANI, J. ps W.P(MD)No.20456 of 2026 20.07.2026 6/6 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis