WP(MD)/30345/2026 of S.Senthilkumar Vs The Director of Art and Culture on 2 November 2026

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by P. VELMURUGAN J.) The prayer in this writ petition is for issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, forbearing the respondents 1 to 5 from handing over the lands comprised in S.F.Nos.180/1, 204, 205, 210, 211 and 212 of Baburajapuram Village, Block No.3, Ward No.7, Kumbakonam Town, Thanjavur District, belonging to the second respondent College, to the sixth and seventh respondents for establishment of an electricity substation, by considering the representation submitted by the Kumbakonam Government College of Fine Arts Alumni Association, dated 12.01.2026.

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the second respondent College, namely, the Government College of Arts and Crafts, is an educational institution wherein about 150 students are pursuing their studies. While so, the official respondents are taking steps to establish an electricity substation within the compound wall of the College premises. According to the learned counsel, the establishment of such an electricity substation within the College premises would pose a serious threat to the safety and security of the students. It is further contended that the proposed utilisation of the College land for the said purpose would also adversely affect the future expansion and development of the educational institution. Therefore, the learned counsel would submit that the official respondents should be restrained from proceeding with the establishment of the proposed electricity substation in the College premises.

3. Per contra, the learned Government Advocate appearing for the official respondents would submit that the second respondent College is situated in an extent of approximately 12 acres, out of which only 90 cents, which is less than one acre, is required for establishing the proposed electricity substation. Even after earmarking the said extent of 90 cents for the establishment of the electricity substation, the College

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 would still be left with approximately 11 acres of land, which would be more than sufficient for its future expansion and developmental activities.

4. The learned Government Advocate would further submit that the official respondents have explored the possibility of identifying alternative locations for establishing the proposed electricity substation. However, the alternative lands available are either agricultural lands or water bodies, and therefore, the establishment of the electricity substation in such locations is not feasible. In view of the practical difficulties involved in identifying an alternative location, the official respondents have decided to utilise only 90 cents of land belonging to the second respondent College for the said purpose. Hence, the learned Government Advocate would submit that the writ petition is liable to be dismissed.

5. We have considered the rival submissions made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Government Advocate appearing for the official respondents and perused the materials available on record.

6. The main grievance of the petitioner is that the establishment of an electricity substation within the College premises would endanger the

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 safety of the students and also affect the future expansion of the College. There can be no dispute with regard to the importance of ensuring the safety and security of students studying in an educational institution. At the same time, the requirement of providing essential electricity infrastructure and the difficulties involved in identifying a suitable alternative location cannot also be overlooked.

7. In the present case, admittedly, about 150 students are studying in the second respondent College. It is also not in dispute that the College is situated in an extent of approximately 12 acres. Out of the said extent, only 90 cents of land is proposed to be utilised for establishing the electricity substation. Even after such utilisation, approximately 11 acres of land would remain available with the College for its future expansion and development.

8. Therefore, having regard to the extent of land available with the College and the limited extent of land proposed to be utilised for establishing the electricity substation, we are unable to accept the contention of the petitioner that the proposed project would necessarily deprive the College’s land for its future expansion. Further, the official respondents have placed before this Court the difficulties in identifying a

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 suitable alternative location, particularly in view of the nature of the available lands.

9. However, considering that the proposed electricity substation is to be established within the premises of an educational institution, the safety of the students, teaching staff and other persons using the College premises assumes paramount importance. The official respondents, while proceeding with the establishment of the electricity substation, are therefore under an obligation to ensure that all necessary safety precautions and protective measures are strictly implemented. The proposed electricity substation shall be established in such a manner that it does not pose any risk to the students and other occupants of the College premises.

10. In view of the foregoing discussion and considering the facts and circumstances of the case, we find no merit in the writ petition warranting interference by this Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

11. Accordingly, this writ petition stands dismissed. However, the official respondents are directed to ensure that the proposed electricity

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 substation is established only after taking all necessary and adequate safety measures, in accordance with the applicable safety standards and regulations, so as to protect the students, teaching staff and other persons using the College premises. There shall be no order as to costs. (P.V.,J.) (K.K.R.K.,J.) 02-11-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No bala To

1. The Director of Art and Culture, Tamil Valarchi Valagam, Egmore, Chennai - 600008.

2. The Principal, Government College of Arts and Crafts, Kottayur Village, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District.

3. The Commissioner (Land Administration), Land Administration Department, 2nd Floor, Ezhilagam, Chepauk, Chennai - 600005.

4. The District Collector, Thanjavur District, Thanjavur.

5. The Sub Collector, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District.

6. The Superintending Engineer, TANGEDCO, Thanjavur District.

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026

7. The Executive Engineer, TANGEDCO, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur District.

WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 P.VELMURUGAN, J. AND K.K.RAMAKRISHNAN, J. bala WP(MD) No. 30345 of 2026 02-11-2026