NEW DELHI — The Supreme Court has upheld the cancellation of a patta granted over a water body in Tamil Nadu, while directing state authorities to provide an alternative site to 20 affected flat owners before any demolition takes place.
A bench comprising Justices S.V.N. Bhatti and N.V. Anjaria instructed the Tamil Nadu government to allocate suitable land to the residents within six months, according to reporting by The Hindu — National.
Protection of Water Bodies Upheld
The top court's decision affirms the principle that water bodies must be safeguarded from encroachment and unauthorized regularisation. By confirming the revocation of the land title, the bench reinforced legal restrictions against granting private ownership documents over designated water bodies.
The ruling emphasizes environmental preservation mandates while balancing the immediate fallout on individuals who purchased residential properties on the disputed parcel.
Relief and Relocation for Flat Owners
While validating the cancellation of the patta, the Supreme Court addressed the plight of the 20 apartment owners facing the loss of their homes. The bench stipulated that the demolition of the existing residential structures cannot proceed until the state government completes the allotment of an alternative site.
The Tamil Nadu administration has been granted a strict six-month window to identify and hand over the replacement property to the affected residents. The order ensures that demolition activities remain suspended during this transitional period, granting the homeowners time to adjust following the invalidation of the original title.
