Case Note & Summary
The petitioner, J. Veeramani, filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India before the Madras High Court challenging a Form-III Eviction Notice dated 06.02.2026 issued by the Assistant Engineer, Water Resources Department (third respondent) under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction Act, 2007. The petitioner sought a writ of certiorari to quash the notice as illegal, arbitrary, and without jurisdiction. The court, comprising Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice K. Surender, heard the matter. The petitioner's counsel submitted that an explanation had already been submitted in response to an earlier show cause notice dated 19.09.2025. The court observed that a show cause notice does not provide any cause for institution of writ proceedings, as it is merely a preliminary step. The court emphasized that encroachments in water bodies cannot be compromised and must be removed following statutory procedures as per judgments of the Supreme Court and this Court. Accordingly, the court dismissed the writ petition and directed the respondents to conclude the enforcement action within twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. No costs were awarded, and connected miscellaneous petitions were closed.
Headnote
A) Constitutional Law - Writ Jurisdiction - Show Cause Notice - Article 226 of the Constitution of India - A show cause notice does not provide any cause for institution of writ proceedings as it is only a preliminary step and the petitioner has an opportunity to submit an explanation. The court held that the writ petition challenging a show cause notice is premature and liable to be dismissed. (Paras 2-3) B) Environmental Law - Water Body Protection - Encroachment Removal - Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction Act, 2007 - Encroachments in water bodies cannot be compromised and must be removed by following the procedures contemplated under the statutes and Rules. The court directed the respondents to conclude enforcement action within twelve weeks. (Paras 4-5)
Issue of Consideration
Whether a show cause notice issued under the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction Act, 2007 is amenable to writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.
Final Decision
The writ petition was dismissed. The respondents were directed to conclude the enforcement action within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. No costs. Connected miscellaneous petitions, if any, were closed.
Law Points
- Show cause notice does not provide cause for writ proceeding
- Encroachments in water body must be removed following statutory procedures
