Tamil Nadu judicial rulings on land and environment

The judiciary in Tamil Nadu has issued several rulings regarding land use, illegal structures, and environmental protection.

In the Tiruvallur district, the Supreme Court of India upheld the cancellation of a land title issued on land officially recorded as a government water body. While the court dismissed challenges from a bank and a property owner, it expressed concern for residents of 20 flats built on the site. The court directed the state government to provide an alternative site for these residents within six months before proceeding with the demolition of unauthorized structures to restore the water body.

Separately, the Madras High Court issued orders concerning public safety and conservation. The Madurai Bench directed the state to close all abandoned borewells and quarry pits in the Thoothukudi district within six weeks to mitigate risks to the public and livestock. Additionally, the court ordered the closure and demolition of 87 illegal resorts located within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, finding they operated without required planning permissions or land use conversion approvals.