In a petition styled as a public interest litigation filed before the Madras High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution, seeking issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the Tamil Nadu State Bhoodan Board (respondent 3) and the Additional Chief Secretary, Forest Department (respondent 4) to preserve and protect the subject agricultural lands under the Bhoomidan Scheme of the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Yagna Act, 1858, a Division Bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G. Arul Murugan found the petition to be a private interest litigation rather than public interest, and dismissed the same for being devoid of merit.
The subject lands were covered under the Tamil Nadu Bhoodan Yagna Act and were classified as Punjai lands in the revenue records. It was submitted that the area could be termed a buffer zone, as it served as a gap between the habitats of animals and humans. However, it was alleged that the respondent authorities were plotting to use the said lands for residential purposes. Aggrieved, the petitioner sent a representation on 30-01-2026, but it failed to elicit any response. Hence, the present petition was filed.
The Court perused the representation and found that the petitioner, along with others, was cultivating in the subject lands. It was also found that land to the extent of 0.60 acres was allotted to the petitioner’s father, which was being cultivated by them. The Court noted that the Rules governing PILs filed under Article 226 state that every PIL must indicate that the petitioner has no personal interest in the case.
Considering the plea that the subject lands fall within the buffer zone, providing a gap between the habitats of animals and humans, the Court stated that there was no evidence or documentary proof to support the same. It was said that nothing was placed on record to substantiate the petitioner’s plea.
Thus, the Court dismissed the petition for being devoid of merit.
Appearances:
For Petitioners – Mrs. Karthikaa Ashok
For Respondents – Mrs. E. Ranganayaki (AGP)
