Madras High Court Orders Criminal Prosecution Over Public Land Assignment

The Madras High Court has ordered the initiation of criminal prosecution against public servants responsible for the allocation of 3.45 acres of public land near the Koyambedu central bus terminus in Chennai for the construction of a shopping mall by Baashyam Constructions Private Limited. Justice S.M. Subramaniam was shocked by the allocation and directed the government to investigate structural corruption related to the appropriation of public lands.

He also suggested considering the enactment of a suitable law to address such offenses and the formation of a high-level committee to identify illegalities related to government land, non-payment of lease rent, and unlawful occupation of public lands. The land in question was originally classified as Grama Natham in revenue records but was later reclassified as Ryotwari.