The Madras High Court, in a significant move to protect government properties, has recommended the detention of habitual land grabbers under the Goondas Act. The court, headed by Justice S.M. Subramaniam, emphasized that failing to safeguard government properties not only constitutes an unconstitutional act but also amounts to negligence, dereliction of duty, and misconduct, warranting actions under both service rules and general provisions of the law.
The court made these observations while hearing a petition filed by V.U. Maruthachalam, who sought direction from the Coimbatore district authorities to survey a piece of land in Vellalur Panchayat and subdivide it about his property. However, during the proceedings, it was revealed that Maruthachalam had a history of involvement in various irregularities and illegal activities, including encroachments on Open Space Reservation (OSR) lands, which are designated for the benefit of the local community.
Justice S.M. Subramaniam expressed concern over collusion among officials, pointing out that those who fail to protect government properties commit not only an act against the Constitution but also demonstrate negligence, dereliction of duty, and lapses in their responsibilities. The court underlined that such officials should face appropriate actions under service rules and the law.
"The duty of the authorities is to protect government properties, and they are paid a decent salary from taxpayers' money for this very purpose," the court asserted.
Regarding the petitioner's claim, the court noted that he had a pattern of encroaching upon adjacent OSR lands and selling them for personal gain. Despite complaints filed against the land grab, the court found that the authorities, including the commissioner of police and the district registrar, failed to take decisive action.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Justice Subramaniam stated, "There is a large-scale allegation against the petitioner and his family members, and even government poromboke lands are encroached upon and sold to third parties."
In response to these findings, the court directed the authorities to take immediate action against the alleged land grab and submit a detailed report to the court by August 3.
Source: Link
Picture Source :
