K.P.Sulaiman vs Mulanthuruthy Block Panchayat, Represented By The Secretary, Block Office, Mulanthuruthy, Ernakulam District 682314

Murali Purushothaman, J

The petitioners, who are senior citizens have approached this Court for a direction to the 1st respondent/Block Panchayath to take appropriate steps to construct adequate drainage through the proposed Koorkkapadom road up to Kulakkattupadom Thodu. According to the petitioners, the 1st respondent/Block Panchayath has started construction of the aforesaid road pursuant to Ext.P2 administrative sanction received from the Government. However, it is contended that the Block Panchayath is executing the work without providing adequate drainage, ramp and sluice and therefore, there is likelihood of water logging in the area during rainy season. Though the petitioners have approached the Grama panchayath, they informed the petitioners that the project is being executed and implemented by the Block Panchayath and the Block Panchayath has to take steps for provision for drainage, sluice etc. Accordingly, the petitioners have submitted Ext.P6 representation before the 1st respondent/Block Panchayath for providing adequate drainage facility on the side of the road to avoid water logging. The grievance of the petitioners is that the 1st respondent/Block Panchayath has not taken any steps to provide ramp, sluice or drainage facility as requested and is proceeding with the construction of the road without providing these facilities.

Heard the learned Counsel for the petitioners, the learned Government Pleader and the Learned Standing Counsel for the 2nd respondent Grama Panchayath.

In the facts and circumstances of the case and having regard to the submissions made across the Bar, there will be a direction to the Secretary of the 1st respondent/Block Panchayath to consider and pass orders on Ext.P6 representation submitted by the petitioners with notice to the petitioners and the 2nd respondent Grama Panchayath, within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. It is made clear that this Court has not made any observations on the merits of the representation pending before the 1st respondent.

The writ petition is disposed of with the above direction.