Authorities must initiate eviction proceedings against educational institutions encroaching on government poromboke lands following statutory inspection and identification.

The Petitioner, a community welfare association, filed a Writ of Mandamus seeking the removal of illegal encroachments on public lands (S.F. Nos. 320, 323, and 333) in Konambedu-Narayanpuram Villages.

The lands, classified as threshing floors, water catchment areas, and farm nursery lands, were allegedly encroached upon by educational institutions (Respondents 4 and 5).

During proceedings, the Court directed the District Revenue Officer to inspect the site.

The resulting status report confirmed that St. Peter’s Institute of Higher Education & Research had encroached upon government poromboke land by constructing compound walls, college buildings, and a road.

Additionally, the Avadi Municipal Corporation was found to have constructed an animal breeding centre on the subject land.

1. Whether the respondents are liable to be evicted from the subject lands in S.F. Nos. 320, 323, and 333 based on the classification in the ‘A’ Register.

2. Whether the authorities should be directed to recover the encroached lands for public infrastructure and educational purposes.

The Court primarily applied the provisions of the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, which provides the legal framework and procedure for the eviction of unauthorized occupants from government-owned lands.

It also adhered to the principle of natural justice, requiring that "opportunity has to be provided to the alleged encroachers" before final enforcement.

Furthermore, the court relied on the evidentiary value of the "Re-survey and Re-settlement ‘A’ Register" to determine the classification and ownership of the lands as Sarkar Poromboke (Government land).

The Court relied heavily on the factual findings of the status report submitted by the District Revenue Officer, which quantified the specific extent of encroachments by the private educational institutions, including 232 sq. meters of compound wall and 132 sq. meters of building in S.F. 320, and 723 sq. meters of building in S.F. 323.

Since the 'A' Register established these lands as Government Poromboke (specifically Kallanguthu, Pallam, and Kalam), the occupation by Respondents 4 and 5 was determined to be illegal.

To ensure effective enforcement, the Court suo-motu impleaded the Commissioner of the Avadi Corporation as the 10th Respondent.

The Court reasoned that once an encroachment is identified by the revenue authorities, the executive has a duty to initiate enforcement action under the relevant statutes while ensuring due process for the occupants.

The Court held that the procedures under the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, must be followed, and a fair opportunity must be afforded to the alleged encroachers.

The District Collector was directed to monitor the enforcement action and ensure it is completed expeditiously, preferably within twelve weeks.

All connected miscellaneous petitions were closed.