Authority: Madras High Court, Madurai Bench

Order Date: 10 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Petitioners: V. Jothi Dhandayuthapani, R. Sidhrankathan, C. Poonampalam, D. Sankar, Chithrairajan; represented by counsel Mr. S. Kumar.
  • Respondent: Executive Officer, Sathankulam Selection Grade Town Panchayat, Thoothukudi District; represented by counsel Mrs. K.R. Shiva Shankari (State).
  • Petition: Writ petition under Article 226 seeking a writ of mandamus directing the respondent to conduct a lot only for ground‑floor shops at Sathankulam Bus Stand and to allot those shops to the petitioners based on representations dated 29‑06‑2026 and 02‑07‑2026.
  • Background: The Town Panchayat originally owned 15 shops inside the bus stand. In 2023 it demolished the existing structure and reconstructed 40 shops at a cost of Rs 5.62 crore. Under G.O.(Ms.) No.103 dated 16‑06‑2025, existing lessees are entitled to preference and a lot must be conducted for all shops, with surplus shops to be auctioned. Petitioners argued that only ground‑floor shops should be allotted to them, claiming livelihood dependence on those premises.
  • Arguments: Petitioners requested the Court to direct a ground‑floor‑only lot. Respondent contended that the GO does not provide for a ground‑floor‑only lot; therefore the lot must be conducted for all shops in accordance with the statutory procedure.

Final Outcome

  • The Court held that the relief sought—exclusive ground‑floor allocation—cannot be granted.
  • The Court directed the respondent to conduct the lot strictly in terms of G.O.(Ms.) No.103 on Monday, 13 July 2026, and clarified that the petitioners are entitled to participate in that lot.
  • No order as to costs was made, and the connected W.M.P. No.14347 of 2026 was closed.

Topics: Court Order, Municipal Shop Allocation, Local Government Procedure