[Cites 1, Cited by 0]
Madras High Court
P.Pandiaraj vs The District Collector on 18 February, 2026
W.P.(MD) No.4484 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED : 18.02.2026
CORAM
THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE K.SURENDER
W.P.(MD) No.4484 of 2026
P.Pandiaraj ... Petitioner
Vs.
1.The District Collector,
Virudhunagar District,
Virudhunagar.
2.The District Revenue Officer,
District Collectorate Office Complex,
Sattur Road, Virudhunagar District,
Virudhunagar.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer,
Venkatachalapuram Office,
Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Village Administrative Officer,
Sirukkulam Village, Sattur,
Virudhunagar District. ... Respondents
Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India,
for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the first respondent herein
to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 02.01.2026 and to acquire
land situated in Survey Nos.502/1, 502/5, 504/4, 504/5 and 506 measuring
3.7 Hectares in Gowlwarpatti village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District
_____________
Page No. 1 of 6
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
W.P.(MD) No.4484 of 2026
and to pay adequate compensation in accordance with law, within a time
frame as may be stipulated by this Court.
For Petitioner : M/s.C.R.Ponnuthai
For Respondents : Mr.D.S.Nedunchezhian
Government Advocate
****
ORDER
This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of a Writ of
Mandamus directing the first respondent to consider the petitioner’s
representation dated 02.01.2026 and to acquire the land situated in Survey
Nos.502/1, 502/5, 504/4, 504/5 and 506, measuring 3.7 hectares, in
Gowlwarpatti Village, Sattur Taluk, Virudhunagar District and to pay
adequate compensation in accordance with law, within a time frame to be
stipulated by this Court.
2. With the consent of the parties, this Writ Petition is taken up for
final disposal at the admission stage itself.
3. The grievance of the petitioner is that the adjacent lands to the
petitioner’s property were acquired for the extension of the Irrukkankudi
_____________
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
Reservoir Scheme, while the petitioner’s land was excluded from
acquisition, even though the same is situated adjacent to the Vaippar and
Arjunar Rivers, which are connected to the said Irrukkankudi Reservoir
Scheme. Owing to the acquisition of the surrounding lands and the altered
irrigation ecosystem caused by the dam extension, the petitioner’s
property has become isolated and agriculturally unviable. The natural
water flow, access and support from adjoining lands have been cut off.
The petitioner has been unable to cultivate the land productively due to
drought-like conditions and environmental disruption caused by the dam
development. Further, the Tribunal has passed an order dated 14.10.2024
awarding compensation for the petitioner’s trees cut by the authorities
during the acquisition proceedings, which, according to the petitioner, is
inadequate. The petitioner contends that he is entitled to compensation for
the value of the trees, considering their age, type, yield and prevailing
market value. Therefore, the petitioner submitted a representation dated
02.01.2026 seeking acquisition of the land and payment of adequate
compensation in accordance with law. Since the same has not been
considered, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition.
_____________
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
4. The learned Government Advocate appearing for the
respondents, on instructions, would submit that the petitioner's
representation dated 02.01.2026 would be considered and appropriate
orders would be passed by the first respondent within a period of sixteen
weeks.
5. Recording the above submission and without expressing any
opinion on the merits of the matter, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a
direction to the first respondent to consider the petitioner's representation
dated 02.01.2026 and pass appropriate orders on its merits and in
accordance with law within a period of sixteen weeks from the date of
receipt of a copy of this order. The representation shall be disposed of
after conducting an enquiry. The first respondent is also directed to
provide a reasonable opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and any other
interested parties who may be affected by such decision, before passing
any order. There shall be no order as to costs.
[K.SURENDER, J.]
18.02.2026
JEN
Index : Yes / No
Neutral Citation : Yes / No
_____________
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
To
1.The District Collector,
Virudhunagar District,
Virudhunagar.
2.The District Revenue Officer,
District Collectorate Office Complex,
Sattur Road, Virudhunagar District,
Virudhunagar.
3.The Revenue Divisional Officer,
Venkatachalapuram Office,
Sattur, Virudhunagar District.
4.The Village Administrative Officer,
Sirukkulam Village, Sattur,
Virudhunagar District.
_____________
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
K.SURENDER, J.
JEN
18.02.2026
_____________
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis ( Uploaded on: 26/02/2026 01:15:33 pm )
