JUDGMENT :

(Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondents 1 to 6, 16 to 18 and 21 to consider the representations of the petitioner dated 23.12.2015 and 31.12.2015.)

The relief sought for in the present writ petition is to direct the respondents 1 to 6, 16 to 18 and 21 to consider the representations submitted by the petitioner dated 23.12.2015 and 31.12.2015.

2. The representations submitted by the petitioner reveal that certain illegalities were committed in respect of the Government lands and there was a dispute in the financial transactions within the groups in that particular locality.

3. When the writ petition is taken up for hearing, shockingly it was informed that the subject lands belong to the Government and few greedy men encroached the Government lands and illegally constructed buildings and interestingly rented out to the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and to a Nationalised Bank.

4. It is an illegality committed to such an extent that such greedy men have no respect towards Law and gone to the extent of renting out the building to the Government Undertaking, namely, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and to the Nationalised Bank.

5. It is brought to the notice of this Court that the Nationalised Bank vacated the premises and other private tenants are also in occupation and they are paying the rent. Further, it is informed to this Court that these greedy men collected more than Rs.16 lakhs per month by way of rent. However, now some of the tenants are not paying the rent.

6. The learned counsel for the petitioner states that the villagers have taken a decision to encroach upon the Government lands and leased out the same to the Private Parties. The petitioner has stated that all these facts are available in the affidavit filed in support of this writ petition.

7. If this nature of illegalities are allowed to continue, then these greedy men and the offenders will take the law in their own hands by encroaching such Government properties for their personal gains and therefore, the authorities are bound to act immediately.

8. Unfortunately, in the present case, the Competent Authorities have also miserably failed to initiate action immediately. Contrarily, it is contended that Peace Meetings were conducted with the persons. However, Peace Meetings cannot be conducted in respect of encroachments and illegal utilisation of Government lands by persons in an unjust manner and for personal gains. Thus, the Authorities have also committed serious lapses, negligence and dereliction of duty in the matter of dealing with such encroachments made in respect of Government lands in favour of the Private Parties and earned huge sum for several years. Such lawless situation can never be allowed nor be condoned.

9. In view of the seriousness involved in the issue, this Court directed Ms.V.Alin Suneja, District Revenue Officer, Salem to be present along with the files in connection with the present writ petition. Accordingly, today i.e., on 06.10.2021, the abovesaid District Revenue Officer, Salem District is present before this Court and submitted the files.

10. It is contended that the show cause notices for eviction in respect of the lands belonging to the Highways Department were issued in the year 2016 itself and in respect of the remaining Government lands, notices are yet to be issued and the District Revenue Officer made a submission that she will take immediate action, so as to ensure that the encroachers are evicted and the use and damage and financial loss caused to the State Exchequer will be recovered by following the procedures.

11. The learned Government Advocate appearing on behalf of respondents 1 to 6, 16 to 18 and 21 contended that some more Government lands are also in encroachments in the adjacent area and those encroachments are also will be identified and all appropriate and necessary actions will be taken to remove the encroac