S.Natarajan v. The District Collector,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 02.09.2025

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN S.Natarajan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Thiruchirappalli District, Thiruchirappalli.

2.The Special Tahsildar (L.A.), Regional Engineering College Scheme, Thiruchirappalli District.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the official respondent to re-transfer the unutilized acquired lands admeasuring 12.07 acres situated in S.Nos.424/2 and 425/1 at Thuvakudy Village, Thiruchirappalli Taluk, Trichy District in favour of the petitioner, within any time stipulate by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Dinesh Hari Sudarasn For Respondents : Mr.M.Muthu Manikkam, Government Advocate.

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ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petition mentioned lands belong to the writ petitioner's father. They were acquired by the Government of Tamil Nadu under Regional Engineering College Scheme. The compensation was paid to the writ petitioner's father. Contending that it was inadequate, reference was sought under under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The compensation was also duly enhanced and the appeal filed by the government was dismissed by the High Court in the year 1975. 50 years later, the son has come before this Court seeking re-transfer of the land on the ground that they have not been utilized for the purpose for which they were acquired. It is open to the government to utilize the lands for some other public purpose. In any event, it is not open to the Writ Court to direct the government to re-transfer the land. The matter lies in the discretion realm of the government. It is always open to the petitioner to move the government and make a request. No positive direction can be issued by this Court.

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3.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 02.09.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias To:

1.The District Collector, Thiruchirappalli District, Thiruchirappalli.

2.The Special Tahsildar (L.A.), Regional Engineering College Scheme, Thiruchirappalli District.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

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