1. Introductory:

The Grant given by the Government of Madras in 1888 of a piece of land just opposite to the Central Railway Station, Madras, to Sir S. Ramasami Mudaliar for construction of Choultry for the free use of railway travellers and for poor feeding with right to resume, without liability to pay compensation, (if it ceases to be employed for the purpose for which it was granted or used for any other purpose), is now sought to be resumed by the State of Tamil Nadu on account of violation of conditions of Grant and for allotment to the Chennai Metro Rail for the very same public purpose of providing amenities to the railway passengers for which it was originally granted.

Facts in nutshell:

2. The petitioners are lessees and sub-lessees, in possession of the building constructed by a Trust by name Rajah Sir Ramasamy Mudaliar Choultry, situated just opposite to the Central Station, Chennai. Some of the petitioners are not having any semblance of right and they are in occupation of the premises on account of the indulgence shown by the office of Administrator General and Official Trustee (hereinafter referred to as “AG & OT”) by receiving rent. It is also a matter of recor