Synopsis

This judgment by a Division Bench of the Madras High Court disposes of a writ petition filed by a citizen alleging encroachment on a public road by the installation of a religious statue by a private individual. The petitioner sought a mandamus directing the municipal authorities to remove the encroachment. The court, noting the photographs showing the installation, directed the authorities to conduct a field inspection and survey to identify encroachments, issue notice to the alleged encroacher, and follow the due procedure under the relevant statutes and rules. The petition was disposed of with a direction to complete the exercise within twelve weeks, and no order as to costs was made.

1. Heading for the judgment

Citation: A. Palanichamy v. The District Collector, Erode & Ors., W.P.No.11286 of 2026, decided on 24.03.2026 (Madras High Court)
Coram: Hon'ble Mr. Justice S. M. Subramaniam and Hon'ble Mr. Justice K. Surender (Division Bench)
Core Law: Constitutional Law (Article 226 – Public Interest), Municipal Laws, Law of Encroachments.

Madras High Court directs municipal authorities to conduct inspection and remove encroachment on public road by religious statue, following due procedure.

2. Legal framework

This judgment deals with the powers and duties of municipal authorities to remove encroachments from public land.

• Constitutional Law:
  Article 226: The petition was filed under

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