Madras HC Gives Officials 12 Weeks To Remove Encroachments From Puthuthangal Lake

The petitioner sought removal of an alleged encroachment by the twelfth respondent, Gengai Amman Temple, on the bund of Puthuthangal Lake, including construction of a temple and gate and damage to the lake’s security wall. He also sought restoration of the wall, relying on a Form III notice dated 28 June 2023 under Rule 6 of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Rules, 2007.

The State submitted that Form III notices had been issued to the encroachers and that enforcement would continue with police assistance.

The petitioner invoked Rule 6 of the Tamil Nadu Protection of Tanks and Eviction of Encroachment Rules, 2007, referring to the Form III notice issued under that provision.

The Court directed the official respondents to carry out enforcement by following the procedures under the relevant statute and rules in force; it did not identify or discuss any other specific statutory provision or precedent.

The State’s submission that Form III notices had been issued, together with the Court’s observation that encroachments in the water body had been identified, supported the need for continued enforcement.

The Court accordingly required the officials to proceed under the applicable statutory procedures, remove the encroachments, and resume and protect the water body for public benefit.

No costs were ordered.