Madras High Court
WP(MD)/31111/2026 of Nandhirajan K Vs The District Collector on 2 November 2026
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026
BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
DATED: 02-11-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR
RAMAMOORTHY
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026
CNR:{HCMD011522682026}
K.Nandhirajan
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The District Collector,
Madurai District,
Madurai
2. The District Forest Officer
Madurai District,
Madurai
3. The Assistant Commissioner
Madurai Corporation,
East Zone - I,
Madurai
4. The Junior Engineer
TANGEDCO,
Vandiyur Region,
Madurai
5. Palani @ Palanikumar
..Respondent(s)
PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of MANDAMUS, directing the official respondents to cut the branches of the tree or to remove the tree, as well as to remove the concrete floor constructed around the tree which obstructs the free flow of the drainage canal and by way of considering
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026
the petitioner’s representation dated 20.03.2025, 24.03.2025, 31.07.2026, and finally on 03.10.2026.
For Petitioner(s)
:Mr.S.Sivakumar
For Respondent(s)
:Mr.S.Iniyan Karthik
Government Advocate (Civil Side)
for R1& R2
Mr.K.Sivabalan
Standing Counsel for R3
Mr.S.Bageerathan
Standing Counsel for R4
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ORDER
The petitioner canvasses two grievances. The first grievance relates to the construction put up by the fifth respondent around a peepal tree situated behind the petitioner’s house. The second grievance relates to the branches and leaves of the said tree obstructing the drainage water channel.
2. Mr.S.Iniyan Karthik, learned Government Advocate (Civil Side), accepts notice for respondents 1 and 2. Mr.K.Sivabalan, learned Standing Counsel, accepts notice for the third respondent. Mr.S.Bageerathan, learned Standing Counsel, accepts notice for the fourth respondent.
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026
3. Learned Government Advocate (Civil Side) for respondents 1 and 2 submits that an inquiry would be conducted with regard to the request to remove or fell branches of the tree. Learned Standing Counsel for the third respondent submits that the third respondent would conduct an inquiry with regard to the construction put up by the fifth respondent. Learned Standing Counsel for the fourth respondent submits that any decision relating to electrical connections, which may be affected by the tree would be taken by the fourth respondent.
4. Considering the above submissions, this Writ Petition is disposed of on the following terms:
i. Respondents 1 and 2 are directed to conduct an inquiry with regard to the request of the petitioner to remove or fell branches of the tree. Before taking a decision, a reasonable opportunity should be provided both to the petitioner and the fifth respondent;
ii. Third respondent shall conduct an inquiry with regard to the request for demolition/removal of the construction put up by the fifth respondent around the tree. Before taking a decision, a reasonable opportunity should be provided both to the petitioner and the fifth respondent;
iii. If any electrical wires or installation would be affected by the
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026 above exercise, consent of the fourth respondent shall be obtained;
iv. The above inquiries shall be concluded within a maximum period of two (2) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order; and v. There shall be no order as to costs.
02-11-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No apd To
1. The District Collector Madurai District Madurai
2. The District Forest Officer Madurai District Madurai
3. The Assistant Commissioner Madurai Corporation East Zone - I Madurai
4. The Junior Engineer TANGEDCO Vandiyur Region Madurai
WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026 SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY, J. apd WP(MD) No. 31111 of 2026 02-11-2026