Constructive PIL: Supreme Court lauds Tamil Nadu man for pursuing plea for Railway Subway

The Supreme Court has lauded a Tamil Nadu resident for persistently pursuing the construction of a railway subway at Vaniyambadi, describing his efforts as an instance of “constructive civic participation” [Madurai Farooq Ahmed v. Principal Secretary to Government and Others].

A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta described the petitioner's efforts as an instance of "constructive civic participation".

The Court said that petitioner Madurai Farooq Ahmed had pursued the issue for several years, not for personal benefit but to secure relief for residents and commuters of Vaniyambadi.

“The appellant has demonstrated how a vigilant and bona fide citizen can, through sustained and responsible engagement with public authorities and constitutional courts, draw attention to an issue affecting the community at large. Such constructive civic participation deserves acknowledgment,” the Court said.

The Bench contrasted Ahmed’s efforts with petitions presented as public interest litigation (PIL) that do not serve any genuine public cause.

“These days, writ courts are frequently called upon to deal with proceedings styled as public interest litigation which, on closer scrutiny, do not advance any genuine public cause. The present matter stands on a different footing,” the judgment stated.

The case concerned a level crossing situated between the Vaniyambadi and Kethandapatti railway stations. The railway line divides the eastern and western parts of Vaniyambadi town and the crossing is used by a substantial number of residents and commuters.

In November 2007, the Tamil Nadu government granted administrative sanction for constructing a Road Over Bridge (ROB) at an estimated cost of ₹13 crore. The project was to be implemented on a cost-sharing basis with the Southern Railway.

The authorities later found that the bridge would require acquisition of substantial land in a heavily built-up area and entail considerably higher costs. The project was first changed to a Road Under Bridge (RUB) and later to a Limited Use Subway.

Ahmed approached the Madras High Court seeking directions to expedite the project. The High Court disposed of his petition in July 2025, observing that keeping it pending would require continuous judicial monitoring.

Before the Supreme Court, Southern Railway said that seven bidders had participated in the tender process and that its portion could be completed within six months of awarding the contract, subject to the State making the necessary land available.

Noting that the project had remained under consideration in different forms for almost 20 years, the Supreme Court directed the State to speed up and complete the pending land acquisition and approvals.

Southern Railway was ordered to complete its portion within six months of the contract award and availability of land. The State and the Railway were also directed to file compliance affidavits within eight months.

Ahmed appeared in person.

[Read Judgment]