Section 139(1)(b) in Madras Estates Land Act, 1908
(b)If on such inquiry or report, the officer to whom the application is made is satisfied -(i)that the irrigation work is not in such a state of disrepair as materially to prejudice the irrigation of the lands dependent upon it; or(ii)that the state of disrepair is due exclusively to the wrongful acts of the ryots or to omission to make such petty works or minor repairs as the ryots are by law or custom bound to carry out, he shall dismiss the application.