1. This original application has been registered in suo-moto exercise of power on the basis of the news item published on 10.10.2023 in the New Indian Express titled “Sewage from health complex at Tamil Nadu’s Sirugamani turns potential health hazard”.
2. As per the said report, health complex with eight toilets, eight urinals, two bathing and two dress changing rooms has been set up in Sirugamani Panchayat which is used by large number of persons but due to lack of proper maintenance, sewage is flowing out of the health centre and is causing health hazard to the local residents. There is an Anganwadi centre and a higher secondary school next to the health centre, students are suffering and instances of fever and mosquito breeding have increased.
3. The news item raises an issue relating to compliance of environmental laws
4. The tribunals power to register suo-moto OA has been recognized in the matter of “Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors.” reported in 2021 SCC Online SC 897.
5. In view of the issue involved, we implead following parties as Respondents:-
(i) Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board;
(ii) Administrative Head of the Sirugamani Town Panchayat;
(iii) District Magistrate, District Trichy.
6. Registry is directed to serve the above Respondents who are not represented today.
7. The Learned Counsel for Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has sought four weeks time to file the report.
8. Since the matter relates to the Southern Zone, therefore, the original application is transferred to the Southern Bench at Chennai for further action in the matter.
9. List the matter on 14.12.2023 before the Southern Bench at Chennai
