K.MEENAKSHI SURESH Vs. SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THESE three Writ Petitions are directed against the order in G.O.Ms.No.168, Public Works (P1) Department, dated 02 July, 2012 on the file of the first respondent and the consequential orders dated 09 January, 2013 on the file of the fifth respondent, whereby and whereunder, the Government revoked the permission granted to the petitioners to draw water from Manjalar river and directed them to remove electric motors and accessories installed for taking water.

(2.) THE petitioners are the owners of property situated at Devathanapatty Village, Periyakulam Taluk, Theni District. The petitioners have planted coconut trees in large numbers. Since sufficient water was not available, the petitioners submitted applications before the District Collector, Theni to draw water from Manjalar river. The request was favourably considered by the Government on the strength of the recommendation made by the District Collector. The petitioners have been taking water since 2000.

(3.) ACCORDING to the petitioners, they have no other water source for irrigating the agricultural land. The impugned Government Order was passed without giving them a reasonable opportunity to submit their response. In short,the petitioners alleged violation of principles of natural justice.