Competence to address encroachment on puramboke land is vested in the Tahsildar (L.R.) rather than the Village Officer.

JUDGMENT The petitioner would allege that the 6^th respondent has trespassed into the puramboke land and has made a construction therein, which is sought to be removed, vide Ext.P5 representation, preferred before the 4^th respondent/Village Officer.

2. Learned Government Pleader on behalf of respondents 1 to 4 would submit that there is no construction, whatsoever, made by the 6^th respondent. He only brought a mobile petty shop fitted with wheels for conducting a tea shop, which can be removed at any point of time. The same was endorsed by the learned counsel for the 5^th respondent/Secretary of the Panchayath concerned.

3. This Court notice that Ext.P5 representation seeks to remove the alleged encroachment, for which the 4^th respondent/Village Officer is not competent. The learned Government Pleader would submit that the Tahsildar (L.R.)

concerned is the competent Authority.

4. In the circumstances, the petitioner is given option to prefer a representation before the Tahsildar (L.R.) concerned; and such representation, if any received, will be considered by the Tahsildar (L.R.) in accordance with law, after giving an opportunity of being heard to the all the affected parties. A decision on such representation, if any filed, will be taken expeditiously.

This Writ Petition will stand disposed of as indicated above.

Sd/-