Ravanammal v. The Government of Tamilnadu

Order (Order of the Court was made by S.M.Subramaniam J.) Writ of Mandamus has been instituted seeking a direction to the respondents to conduct a Survey of total extent of Ramapuram Lake in S.F.No. 239/2A, Ramapuram, Chennai with aid of the respondents and prepare a chart and register pointing out the boundaries of the Lake for the purpose of identifying the limits of Lake as per Section (6) of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007 and after Surveying the same handover the report to the Superintending Engineer as referred to in Section (6)(2) of Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007 and on such handing over the chart and register, publish a notice in such manner prescribed or pointing out the boundaries of the tank by taking into consideration of the G.O.Ms.No.293 issued by the Revenue (NI.MU.5(2) Department dated 13/05/2005 excluding the Lands bearing T.S.No. 239/2 Part to an extent of 1.66 Hectares and Consequently not to take action against the Petitioners' peaceful possession and enjoyment of the property situated at VOC Street, Thirumalai Nagar, Ramapuram, Chennai respectively.

¶2The relief as such sought for in the present Writ Petitions is misconceived and cannot be granted. The claim of the petitioners are that they are in possession of the portion of land adjacent to Ramapuram Lake. It is contended that the Authorities have taken a decision that the lands under Page18 of 27 the occupation of the petitioners falling under lake area and proposed to initiate eviction proceedings under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007. However, the enforcement actions are yet to be initiated by following the procedures. Thus, the Writ Petitions are pre-mature. Even on receipt of notice, if any, issued by the competent Authority, the aggrieved encroachers have to submit their explanations along with the documents, if any, to the Authority, who in turn is bound to consider the same and take final decision to proceed with the enforcement actions in the manner contemplated under the Act and Rules.

¶3The learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the show cause notice has been issued by the Corporation under the Chennai Corporation Act. However, if it is the water body, eviction proceedings are to be initiated under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Act, 2007 by the competent Authority of Water Resources Organization of the Public Works Department.

¶4May that as it be, this Court is of the considered view that the Authorities are bound to conduct inspection and survey the subject land and identify the encroachments, if any, in the water body (lake area) and thereafter initiate appropriate action for eviction of encroachment by following the procedures as contemplated. If it is a water body, then relevant statute applicable is to be pressed into service for initiation of eviction proceedings. Page19 of 27 The petitioners are at liberty to defend their case on receipt of any further notice from the competent Authority.

¶5Accordingly, these Writ Petitions are dismissed. No costs. Consequently, WMP.Nos.12170, 11986, 12188, 11703, 11995, 11739 and 11736 of 2022 praying to permit the petitioners to join together and file a single Writ petition are ordered and the other connected miscellaneous petitions are closed. (S.M.S.,J.) (K.S.,J.) 12-03-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order DSA Page20 of 27 To

¶1The Secretary, Government Of Tamil Nadu, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009.

¶2The principal secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai.

¶3The Commissioner Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai 600003.

¶4The Chairman/managing Director Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5 Kamarajar Salai, Chennai 600005.

¶5The Executive Engineer Zone-II, Greater Chennai Corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600087.

¶6The District Collector Collectorate Buildings, Chennai.

¶7The Chief Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), Chepauk, Chennai.

¶8The Superintending Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), palar Water Basin, Chepauk, Chennai.

¶9The Taluk Surveyor, Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. WP No. 12154 of 2022 To

¶1The Government of Tamil nadu Rep by its secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St.George, chennai-600 090

¶2The Principal Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, chennai Page21 of 27

¶3The Commissioner Greater chennai corporation, Rippon Buildings, chennai-600 003

¶4The Chairman /Managing Director TamilNadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5, Kamarajar salai, chennai-600 005

¶5The Executive Engineer Zone-11, Greater chennai corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, chennai-600

¶6The District collector Collectorate buildings, chennai

¶7The Chief Engineer Public works Department , Public works Department, (Water Resource Organation chepauk, Chennai

¶8The Superintending Engineer Public Works Department (Water Resource Organization), Palar water basin, Chepauk, chennai

¶9The Taluk Surveyor collectorate buildings, chennai WP No. 12268 of 2022 To

¶1The Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat Chennai 05

¶2The Zonal Officer Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation No. 123, Arcot Road Valasaravakkam Chennai 600

¶3The Chairman Tamilnadu Urban Habitat Development Board No. 5, Kamarajar Salai Chepauk, Chennai 05 Page22 of 27

¶4The Tahsildar Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai 600 037 WP No. 12267 of 2022 To

¶1The Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat ,Chennai 05

¶2The Zonal Officer Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation No. 123, Arcot Road Valasaravakkam Chennai 600

¶3The Chairman Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board No. 5, Kamarajar Salai Chepauk, Chennai 05

¶4The Tahsildar Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai 600 037 WP No. 12266 of 2022 To

¶1The Principal Secretary Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat Chennai 05

¶2The Zonal officer Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation No. 123, Arcot Road Valasaravakkam Chennai 600

¶3The Chairman Tamilnadu Urban Habitat Development Board No. 5, Kamarajar Salai Chepauk, Chennai 05

¶4The Tahsildar Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai 600 037 Page23 of 27 WP No. 12250 of 2022 To

¶1The Government of Tamil Nadu Rep by its Secretary, Housing and Urban Development department, Fort St. George,Chennai-600 009.

¶2The Principal Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai.

¶3The Commissioner Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai-600 003.

¶4The Chairman / Managing Director Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5, KamarajarSalai, Chennai-600 005.

¶5The Executive Engineer Zone-11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600 087.

¶6The District Collector Collectorate Buildings, Chennai.

¶7The Chief Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organization), Chepauk, Chennai

¶8The Superintending Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource organization), Palar Water Basin, Chepauk, Chennai.

¶9The Taluk Surveyor Collectorate Buildings, chennai. WP No. 12523 of 2022 To

¶1The Government of Tamil nadu Rep. by its Secretary, housing and Urban development Departmeent Fort St. Goege chennai 09

¶2The principal Secretry to Government Revenue Department secretariat, Chennai Page24 of 27

¶3The commissioner Greaer chennai corproation Rippon Building chennai 03

¶4The chairman / Managing Driector Tamil nadu slum clearnace board No. 5kamarajar salai chennai 05

¶5The executive Engineer Zone 11 Greater chennai corproation No. 123 Arcot Road Valasaravakkam chennai 87

¶6The District Collector Collectorate Buildings chennai

¶7The chief Engineer Public works department (Water resourcee organization ) chepauk chennai

¶8The superintending Engineer Public works department (Water resourcee organization ) palar Water basin chepauk chennai

¶9The Taluk surveyor Collectorate Buildings chennai WP No. 12534 of 2022 To

¶1The Government of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St.George, Chennai 09

¶2The Principal Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai

¶3The Commissioner Greater Chennai corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai 03

¶4The Chairman/ Managing Director Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance board, No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai 05 Page25 of 27

¶5The Executive Engineer Zone 11, Greater Chennai corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 87

¶6The District Collector Collectorate Buildings, Chennai

¶7The Chief Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), Chepauk, Chennai

¶8The Superintending engineer Public Works Department, (water Resource Organization), PAlar Water BAsin, Chepauk , Chennai

¶9The Taluk Surveyor Collectorate Buildings, Chennai WP No. 12724 of 2022 To

¶1The Government of Tamil Nadu Rep. by its Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009.

¶2The Principal Secretary to Government Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai.

¶3The Commissioner Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai-600 003.

¶4The Chairman/Managing Director Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai-600 005.

¶5The Executive Engineer Zone-11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600 087.

¶6The District Collector Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. Page26 of 27

¶7The Chief Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), Chepauk, Chennai.

¶8The Superintending Engineer Public Works Department, (Water Resources Organisation), Palar Water Basin, Chepauk, Chennai.

¶9The Taluk Surveyor Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. WP No. 7418 of 2022 To

¶1The Commissioner Corporation of Chennai, Rippon building, Chennai-01.

¶2The Zonal officer, Zone-II, Corporation of Chennai, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, chennai-87,

¶3The Tahsildar, Maduravoyal Taluk, Chennai-95. Page27 of 27 S.M.SUBRAMANIAM J. AND K.SURENDER J. DSA 12-03-2026

2026:MHC:1103 Page1 of 27 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 12-03-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE S. M. SUBRAMANIAM AND THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE K. SURENDER WP Nos. 12709, 12154, 12250, 12266, 12267, 12268, 12523, 12534, 12724 & 7418 of 2022 and WMP Nos.11998, 11995, 11603, 11703, 11705, 11736, 11737, 11738, 11739, 11740, 11986, 12170, 12172, 12188, 12189, 7416 & 11987 of 2022 WP.No.12709 of 2022: 1. Ravanammal 2. A.Ambujam 3. N.Lakshmi 4. S.Sekar 5. D.Adhilakshmi 6. R.Tamimbasha 7. K.Alamelu ..Petitioners Vs 1. The Government Of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St. George, Chennai 600009. 2. The principal secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai. 3. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai 600003. Page2 of 27 4. The Chairman/Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5 Kamarajar Salai, Chennai 600005. 5. The Executive Engineer, Zone-II, Greater Chennai Corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600087. 6. The District Collector, Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. 7. The Chief Engineer, Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), Chepauk, Chennai. 8. The Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organisation), Palar Water Basin, Chepauk, Chennai. 9. The Taluk Surveyor, Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. ..Respondents WP No. 12154 of 2022 S.Pandian ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The Government of Tamil Nadu, Rep by its secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Fort St.George, Chennai-600 009. 2. The Principal Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Secretariat, Chennai. 3. The Commissioner, Greater Chennai Corporation, Rippon Buildings, Chennai-600 003. 4. The Chairman /Managing Director, Page3 of 27 Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, No.5, Kamarajar Salai, Chennai-600 005. 5. The Executive Engineer, Zone-11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No.123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600 087 6. The District Collector, Collectorate buildings, Chennai. 7. The Chief Engineer, Public works Department, (Water Resource Organization), Chepauk, Chennai. 8. The Superintending Engineer, Public Works Department, (Water Resource Organization), Palar Water Basin, Chepauk, Chennai. 9. The Taluk Surveyor, Collectorate Buildings, Chennai. ..Respondents WP No. 12268 of 2022 1. V.Kamatchi 2. V.Vignesh ..Petitioners Vs 1. The Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat, Chennai 05. 2. The Zonal Officer, Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No. 123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600 087. Page4 of 27 3. The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, No. 5, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai 05 4. The Tahsildar, Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai 600 037. ..Respondents WP No. 12267 of 2022 1. G.Chandra 2. G.Suganya 3. G.TamilSelvan ..Petitioners Vs 1. The Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu Secretariat,Chennai 05. 2. The Zonal Officer, Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No. 123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600 087. 3. The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, No. 5, Kamarajar Salai Chepauk, Chennai 05. 4. The Tahsildar, Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai 600 037. ..Respondents Page5 of 27 WP No. 12266 of 2022 B.Kumar ..Petitioner Vs 1. The Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Secretariat,Chennai 05. 2. The Zonal Officer, Zone 11, Greater Chennai Corporation, No. 123, Arcot Road, Valasaravakkam, Chennai 600 087. 3. The Chairman, Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board, No. 5, Kamarajar Salai, Chepauk, Chennai 05. 4. The Tahsildar, Maduravoyal Taluk, Bharathi Salai, Nolambur Phase II, Mogappair West, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Ch