JUDGMENT

Similar issues arise in these writ petitions and hence they are heard and disposed of together. In WP(C) Nos.10804 & 10677 of 2022, orders issued by the District Collector, Lakshadweep Administration refusing to grant permission for diversion under Section 20(1) of the Laccadive, Minicoy and Ammindivi Islands Land Revenue and Tenancy Regulations 1965 (hereinafter referred to as “the 1965 Regulations”) are under challenge. Petitioners are holders of Pandaram lands. The petitioner in WP(C) No.10804/2022 has raised an additional claim on the basis of a registered document. He had requested for permission to construct a new house and obtained permission for diversion. He is aggrieved by a show cause notice issued to him under Section 20(4) of the 1965 Regulation. The petitioners in WP(C) No.9280 of 2022 have challenged the notice issued under Section 20(4) of the 1965 Regulations stating that they have made constructions in Pandaram lands in the Bangaram Island without getting permission for diversion.

2. The basis of the action initiated by the Administration is that the Pandaram lands can be utlised only for agricultural purposes and any construction made thereon would amount