WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 __________ Page1 of 5 BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 13-08-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN AND THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE B.PUGALENDHI WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 Ravi Son of Ganesan, Karambakadu Jameen, Alangudi Taluk, Thiruvarankulam Panchayath, Pudhukottai 614 624 ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The District Collector/ Monitoring Committee Pudukottai, Pudukkottai District. 2. The Deputy Director Pudukkottai(Panchayat), Pudukkottai District. 3. The District Revenue Officer, Pudukottai, Pudukkottai District. 4. The Tasildar, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 5. The Block Development Officer (Village Panchayat), Thiruvarankulam, Pudukkottai District. ..Respondent(s) Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing respondent Nos.1 to 5 to take https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 __________ Page2 of 5 immediate and effective steps to remove all encroachments from Thalankulam water body and its connected water channels comprised in Survey No.68 situated at Thiruvarankulam Panchayat Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District restore the said water body and its original water course, ensure that it remains free from encroachments and available for public use, by considering the petitioner’s representation dated 18.12.2024 within a time frame to be fixed by this Court. For Petitioner(s) : Mr.R.Ragavendran For Respondent(s): Mr.C.Jeganathan, Special Government Pleader for R-1 to R-4. Mr.S.Selva Aditya, Government Advocate for R-5. ORDER Heard both sides. 2. Though we sympathise with the stand taken by the writ petitioner, we are unable to grant relief for the simple reason that patta was issued in favour of as many as 21 persons in the year 2000 itself. Survey No.68 Thiruvarankulam Panchayat, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District measures close to 28 acres. It was known as Thalankulam. It is a matter of shame that the water bodies were parcelled and given away to individuals. But this tragedy took place in the year 2000 and it cannot be undone at this point of time. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 __________ Page3 of 5 3. Except 21 pattadars, the others would be treated as encroachers and the encroachments shall be cleared. It is conceded that only 21 persons were issued with patta. Therefore, the extent of land that must have been parcelled away must be less than 2 acres. The remaining extent has to be necessarily restored. We direct the fourth respondent to take action as per law and ensure that the encroachments are removed within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. This writ petition stands allowed accordingly. No costs. (G.R.S.,J.) (B.P.,J.) 13-08-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No PMU To: 1. The District Collector/ Monitoring Committee, Pudukottai, Pudukkottai District. 2. The Deputy Director Pudukkottai(Panchayat), Pudukkottai District. 3. The District Revenue Officer, Pudukottai, Pudukkottai District. 4. The Tasildar, Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District Alangudi Taluk, Pudukkottai District. 5. The Block Development Office(Village Panchayat), Thiruvarankulam, Pudukkottai District. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 __________ Page4 of 5 G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J. AND B.PUGALENDHI, J. PMU WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 13-08-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP(MD) No. 23428 of 2026 __________ Page5 of 5 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis