#Public Land

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Tehsildar to decide pending encroachment cases on revenue-recorded pond land within three months, reinforcing that public utility land held in trust cannot be lawfully occupied. This ruling strengthens accountability for local revenue authorities and affirms that encroachments on community water bodies violate the Public Trust Doctrine, affecting thousands of citizens reliant on such lands for ecological and livelihood security.

Allahabad HC directs Tehsildar to remove re-encroachment on public land under Rule 67 of U.P. Revenue Code Rules, 2016, rejecting delay due to pending criminal cases.

The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that prolonged but temporary use of Gramakantam land for access does not create a legal easement, even if it is the only route to a residence. Public panchayat land remains inalienable community property, and private claims based on necessity alone cannot override statutory protections for village common land.

Madras HC disposed of a writ petition as moot after encroachments on a public road and water body were removed, emphasizing that authorities must proactively prevent future encroachments. The ruling reinforces administrative compliance under environmental and public land protection laws, setting a precedent for similar cases.

Madurai High Court reinforces the state’s duty under Article 226 to protect public land by directing revenue authorities to conduct surveys within two weeks and remove encroachments within three months, ensuring due process. The ruling underscores the Public Trust Doctrine, mandating swift action to prevent arbitrary delays in encroachment cases.

Telangana High Court rules that administrative inaction in deciding land allotment applications for religious trusts constitutes a violation of Articles 14 and 21, mandating a decision within 60 days. The judgment underscores that procedural delays without justification amount to constitutional infringements, impacting public welfare and community rights.

The Madras High Court directed the eviction of illegal encroachments on poromboke lands, emphasizing the Public Trust Doctrine to restore such lands for public use, including school infrastructure. The ruling mandates compliance with the Tamil Nadu Land Encroachment Act, 1905, ensuring land retrieval for educational and community purposes, directly impacting municipal corporations and educational institutions.

The High Court of Telangana holds that authorities must act promptly on illegal encroachments on public land, failing which judicial intervention is warranted under Article 226.