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The Madras High Court has stayed the eviction of 130 Chinna Udaippu villagers in Madurai district, halting proceedings linked to Madurai Airport expansion. Justices M.S. Ramesh and A.D. Maria Clete directed the state to respond to a petition citing inadequate compensation and lack of rehabilitation under land acquisition laws. The petitioners argue that 350 families face eviction without proper resettlement plans, violating the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act. The case underscores the tension between infrastructure growth and fair rehabilitation, with further hearings scheduled later this month.
The Madras High Court has granted a stay on the eviction of 130 residents from Chinna Udaippu village in Madurai district, following a challenge to the ongoing eviction proceedings for the expansion of Madurai Airport. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Justice M.S. Ramesh and Justice A.D. Maria Clete, who was hearing a petition filed by P. Malairajan and 129 other villagers. The court requested a response from the state and adjourned the hearing to later this month. Advertisement
The petitioners, who are members of the Scheduled Caste community, stated that 350 families reside in the village. Land acquisition for the airport expansion had begun with a notification issued in 2009, followed by further notifications in 2013, 2017, and 2018. The compensation process was completed by 2023, although 30 individuals have yet to receive their dues. The petitioners claimed that during the land acquisition, no proper resettlement or rehabilitation plans were provided, and the compensation offered was inadequate in comparison to the market value of the land.
The villagers also highlighted that the authorities had failed to comply with the regulations stipulated in the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, as well as the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act. Despite the lack of resettlement plans, the authorities are allegedly attempting to forcibly evict the residents. The villagers had earlier submitted a representation seeking alternative land, new housing, and government jobs for each household. However, their requests were not addressed.
In a previous petition, 257 individuals sought to prevent the eviction without adequate rehabilitation. A single bench had granted an interim injunction, restraining the authorities from evicting the villagers, and the case was scheduled for further hearing later this month. The petitioners are seeking to stay all further proceedings related to the land acquisition, citing non-compliance with the safeguards provided under the relevant acts.
In conclusion, the court's decision highlights the ongoing struggles over land acquisition and inadequate rehabilitation efforts. The case underscores the need for authorities to follow legal procedures and address concerns regarding fair compensation and resettlement before proceeding with large-scale infrastructure projects like airport expansions.
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