2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 26786

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
G.R.SWAMINATHAN, R.POORNIMA, JJ
Yasothai – Appellant
Versus
The District Collector, O/o.the District Collector, Madurai District – Respondent
W.P.(MD)No.17854 of 2019 | W.M.P.(MD)No.14323 of 2019

Block Development Officer can notice encroachment removal but must refer to Tahsildar for coercive action under Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act.

Headnote:The petitioner challenged an order under Article 226 directing removal of encroachment on public land under the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905. The Block Development Officer issued a notice to remove the encroachment. The court held that the officer can issue such notice but cannot take coercive action independently; must refer to Tahsildar for action under the Act, allowing petitioner to raise contentions therein. Issue: Whether the Block Development Officer can enforce removal of encroachment coercively. Ratio: Encroachment removal notice valid, but coercive steps require Tahsildar proceedings under the Act. Writ petition disposed of with clarification; no costs.