Highways authorities must remove encroachments on national highway land after hearing parties and due process.

The petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition seeking a direction to respondents 1 and 2 to remove the encroachment in Survey No. 475 (NH No.383) at Adiyanuthu Village, based on the proceedings of the Tahsildar dated 20.05.2025.

2.By consent of both parties, the Writ Petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

3.Mr.J.Ashok, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for the respondents 1 to 4. Considering the limited relief sought for by the petitioner, notice to respondents 5 and 6 is dispensed with.

4.The petitioner, a resident of a plot allotted by the TNADW Board in Survey No.494/2, states that respondents 4 and 5 have encroached upon the entrance of the layout, causing hardship to the residents in accessing the main road. Pursuant to an earlier order of this Court in W.P. (MD) No.5310 of 2025, the Tahsildar, Dindigul East, conducted an inspection and, by proceedings dated 20.05.2025, found that the respondents had encroached upon Government poramboke land in Survey No.475, classified as “Vandipathai” and forming part of National Highway No.383. The Tahsildar recommended removal of the encroachment. Despite representations and statutory obligations under the Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, the authorities have not taken action. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

5.Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents 1 to 4.

6.On perusal of the materials available on record, it is seen that the Tahsildar has already identified the encroachment and forwarded the report to the Highways Department. Therefore, it is the bounden duty of the first respondent to take appropriate action for removal of the encroachment, after affording sufficient opportunity of personal hearing to all the parties concerned, including the private respondents, and by following due process of law, within a period of four months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.