An action arising from any taking or appropriation, or to enjoin any taking or appropriation, of private or public property, or of any of the rights appertaining thereto, which taking or appropriation was without following the statutory procedures for the exercise of the right of eminent domain, by a public or private corporation, body corporate or body politic, possessing the right of eminent domain under the laws of this state, may be brought in the county in which the property or the rights appertaining thereto is situated at the time of the taking or appropriation thereof. Any such action now pending may at the discretion of the court in which it is now pending, be transferred to the corresponding court in the county where the property or rights are situated. Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, summons in any such action may be issued by the court and directed to and served by the sheriff of any county wherein the defendant may be found. This act shall create no new rights or causes of action and shall be construed as designating venue for such actions only. This act shall not be construed as waiving any existing sovereign immunity. This act shall be and shall be construed as supplemental to and a part of the code of civil procedure.