Russell Cj v. The State Of Tamil Nadu

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 15.09.2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.(MD)No.23461 of 2025 C.J.Russell

...Petitioner

Vs 1.The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary, Adi Dravida and Tribal Welfare Department, Fort. St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

3.The Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition), Adi Dravidar Welfare Scheme, Madurai District.

....Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents to reconvey the unutilized land comprised in S.No.399 admeasuring 2 acres situated at Ayan Pappakudi Village, Madurai North Taluk, Madurai District by considering the petitioner's representation dated 25.01.2025. 1/4

For Petitioner : Mr.R.Ponkarthikeyan For Respondents : Mr.K.R.Badurus Zaman Government Advocate

ORDER

On the basis that 1 acre of land acquired from the petitioner remains unutilised in S.No.399 at Ayan Pappakudi Village, the present writ petition has been filed.

2.The petitioner states that his lands were acquired in two parcels of 4.44 acres each in 1998 and 1999. According to the petitioner, he received compensation only for 2.22 acres and not for the remaining 2.22 acres. He further states that only 6.88 acres of land from and out of the total extent of 8.88 acres of land was put to use by the Airports Authority of India. 3.Learned Government Advocate appears on behalf of all the respondents. On instructions, he states that the lands are being utilised for the Airport, including for the international terminal. He further states that the total compensation was remitted to the Principal Sub Judge, Madurai on 21.09.2024. He further submits that even the lands acquired as on date are insufficient for purposes of Airport extension.

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4.From the averments in the affidavit, it is noticeable that the acquisition took place between 1998 and 1999. The petitioner has approached this Court after more than 25 years and the affidavit does not contain any proper explanation for the delay in approaching the Court. Even otherwise, in the light of the submission that the acquired lands are insufficient, the request for reconveyance cannot be granted. Therefore, by leaving it open to the petitioner to claim compensation, if not already received, this writ petition stands disposed of. No costs.

15.09.2025 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes/No Internet: Yes/No RJR To 1.The Secretary, Adi Dravida and Tribal Welfare Department, Fort. St. George, Chennai - 9.

2.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

3.The Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition), Adi Dravidar Welfare Scheme, Madurai District.

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SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY , J.

RJR W.P.(MD)No.23461 of 2025 15.09.2025 4/4