RAMAN KODHANDAPANI Vs. DISTRICT COLLECTOR COLLECTORATE BUILDING

JUDGEMENT

(1.) A nature conservationist researcher and claiming himself to be a public interest litigant, petitioner has sought for writ of mandamus directing the District Collector, Coimbatore and the Commissioner, Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation viz., respondents 1 and 2 to forthwith implement the order of the first respondent dated 14.08.2018 by taking necessary steps to stop fishing activity in Singanallur lake, Coimbatore, carry on necessary improvements to foster and improve the bio-diversity of Singanallur Lake, Coimbatore.

(2.) Contention of the petitioner is that despite the proceedings of the District Collector in Na.Ka.No.10417/2018/E4, dated 14.08.2018, deciding not to renew tender/lease and banning Singanallur Lake from commercial fishing, still, fishing continues and despite the representation being sent, no stringent action is taken. Therefore, the instant writ petition, for the prayer as stated supra. Supporting the prayer sought for, the petitioner has relied on newspaper reports. He has relied on News paper reports.

(3.) On the aspect as to whether news items published in papers can form part of the material to substantiate the averments, we deem it fit to consider few decisions.