Madras High Court Orders Eviction of SASTRA University from 31.37 Acres of Government Land in Thanjavur

Madras High Court Orders Eviction of SASTRA University from 31.37 Acres of Government Land in Thanjavur

Court Upholds Public Land Rights Over University’s Claims

Tamil Nadu Government to Use Land for Prison Project

By Our Legal Correspondent

New Delhi: January 10, 2026:

In a landmark ruling, the Madras High Court has directed the eviction of Shanmuga Arts, Science, Technology and Research Academy (SASTRA University) from 31.37 acres of government land in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. The court dismissed petitions filed by the university challenging a government order that refused to assign the land to it. The ruling reinforces the principle that public land belongs to the people and must be safeguarded for public projects.

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Background of the Case

• SASTRA University, a deemed institution in Thanjavur, has been occupying the land for nearly 40 years.
• In February 2022, the Tamil Nadu government issued a Government Order (G.O.) refusing to transfer the land to the university.
• The government had originally planned to use the land for an open-air jail, later revised to a prison project.
• The university offered other lands in exchange, but the government rejected the proposal.
• The university filed two writ petitions in 2022, which have now been dismissed by the High Court.

Court’s Observations

• The Division Bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and C. Kumarappan stated that government lands are public lands and cannot be encroached upon.
• The court emphasized that constitutional courts must protect public rights.
• It directed the Thanjavur Collector to carry out the eviction within four weeks, with police assistance if necessary.
• The judges noted that the government’s decision to use the land for a prison was a policy decision that courts should not interfere with.

Impact of the Ruling

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• The eviction order sets a strong precedent against encroachment of government land by private institutions.
• It highlights the judiciary’s role in upholding public interest over private claims.
• The ruling may affect other institutions occupying government land without proper authorization.
• For Thanjavur, the decision clears the way for the construction of a prison, addressing infrastructure needs in the district.

Reactions and Significance

• Legal experts view the ruling as a reaffirmation of land rights and the principle that public resources must serve public purposes.
• The case has drawn attention to the long-standing issue of encroachments by educational institutions in Tamil Nadu.
• The judgment is expected to influence future disputes involving government land.
• For SASTRA University, the eviction marks a major setback, as the land has been integral to its campus expansion.

Timeline of Events

Why This Matters

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• Public Accountability: Reinforces that government land cannot be privatized without due process.
• Judicial Integrity: Shows courts’ commitment to protecting constitutional principles.
• Policy Enforcement: Strengthens the government’s ability to implement public projects.
• Educational Institutions: Serves as a warning to universities and colleges occupying land without proper authorization.

Conclusion

The Madras High Court’s directive to evict SASTRA University from 31.37 acres of government land is a historic judgment that underscores the importance of protecting public property. By prioritizing public interest over private claims, the court has paved the way for the Tamil Nadu government to proceed with its prison project in Thanjavur. The ruling sends a clear message: public land is for public use, and encroachments will not be tolerated.

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