(1.) This Writ Petition is filed in the nature of mandamus seeking a direction against the respondents 1 to 6 to remove the pipe lines laid by the respondents 9 to 11 beneath the Panchayat Road from S.No.258/3 and S.Nos.165/1A1, 165/1A2, 165/2 and 178/4 [Patta No.599] at Veerapandi Village, Salem and restraining the respondents 9 to 11 from illegally tapping water from the Main Canal (Raja Vaikal), leading to Koppam Lake at Veerapandi Village, Salem.
(2.) In the affidavit filed in support of this petition, the writ petitioner, N.Palanisamy, had stated that he owns agricultural lands measuring 2 acres at Kasiyankadu (Kasiyanthottam) at Veerapandi Village, Salem. He further stated that Thirumani Mutharu is the river in the village in Veerapandi Village and there is an Anicuttu called Veerapandin Anicuttu close to Uthamasolapuram Village. There is a Raja Vaikal taking water from the Veerapandi Anicuttu and Thirumani Mutharu to the Koppam Lake. Raja Vaikal is the main source of irrigation. The Public Works Department has constructed Sluices in the main canal to let the water into the Nanja lands in Veerapandin Village. It is also stated in the affidavit that there are two water source channels from Kanjamalai Hills, one crossing the Raja Vaikal and another water channel from the Kanjamalai Hills going to the Koppam Lake.
(3.) It is stated that the River, Vaikal and the lake are under the control of Public Works Department. It is further stated that the 10th respondent, P.Subramani, owns Punja lands in Veerapandi Village. It is claimed that he had dug a pit in the land adjacent to Raja Vaikal in connivance with the Founder of the S.R.K Trust and had laid a pipe line beneath the panchayat Road connecting the Raja Vaikal to the pit to a length of kms. It is also stated that he got electricity connection and pumps water for irrigation purpose. It is stated that the 11th respondent, R.Rathinavel, is also doing the same work. It is stated that the respondents 9 and 10 had purchased1 acre in S.No.258/3 at Veerapandi Village by a sale deed dated 03.06.2019. This land is situated between the Raja Vaikal and Veerapandi panchayat road. They have also dug a pit to a depth of 20 ft., within 20 meters of the Raja Vaikal. They have also put a pipe line connecting the pit with Raja Vaikal, They have given a application to the TANGEDCO to get electricity connection.