V K VENKATACHALAM Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR, ERODE DISTRICT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition has been filed seeking directions on the respondents to release water from the Lower Bhavani Project to Odathurai tank to meet the requirements of drinking water of 20 villages, which, according to the petitioner, are dependent on Odathurai tank for sustenance.

(2.) There can be no doubt that right to drinking water is a basic human right and arrangements for adequate drinking water have to be made for the concerned villages, whether it be by providing water to Odathurai tank or by setting up other means of supply of drinking water.

(3.) After hearing the respective parties, the writ petition is disposed of by directing respondent no.2 to treat this writ petition as representation of the petitioner and to jointly take a decision thereon within six (6) weeks from date. The decision shall be communicated to the petitioner within one (1) week from the date thereof. If the representation is disposed of favourably, no reasons need be given. However, if the decision is unfavourable to the petitioner, the decision shall be reasoned. No costs.