Gurusamy, v. the District Rural Development Agency
Constitution of India, Article 226 – Writ of Mandamus
Case brief
What is this about?
Madras High Court, W.P. No. 10571 of 2024 (decided 26-03-2026, S.M. Subramaniam & K. Surender, JJ.): writ of mandamus under Article 226 seeking removal of encroachment on patta land (S.No.77/9, S.No.39/6B) in Arasur Village, Kudavasal Taluk, Thiruvarur District and restoration to agricultural use. Court declined removal as the road (mud road pre-17.06.2009, gravel road 2015, WBM/BC Thaar road 2022-2023) has been in continuous public use; directed authorities to negotiate, quantify and settle compensation for the patta land, with liberty to initiate land acquisition proceedings upon petitioners' non-cooperation; petition disposed of, no costs, connected W.M.P. closed. Keywords: encroachment, patta land, public road, compensation without land acquisition, Thiruvarur, Kudavasal.
What did the court decide?
Mandamus for removal of encroachment declined in view of larger public interest; petitioners granted liberty to seek compensation — authorities directed to negotiate with the petitioners, quantify and settle compensation for the patta land as expeditiously as possible, with liberty to initiate appropriate land acquisition proceedings in case of petitioners' non-cooperation; no order as to costs; connected Miscellaneous Petition (W.M.P.No.11601 of 2024) closed.