CHENNAI : The Madras High Court has upheld the validity of a notice evicting the Madras Royal Yacht Club from its eight-ground land worth about Rs 140 crore on Rajaji Salai here.The land was leased out to the club in 1973 by the State for 25 years. As the lease expired in 1999, the State initiated proceedings to recover possession of the land as the same was proposed to be given to Indian Coast Guard. It also offered to allot alternate land at Vepery. As the same was not agreeable to the club, it moved civil and writ proceedings in the HC.
Subsequently, the government issued an order on January 18, 2005 stating that the land is required for public purpose. The club challenged the GO and the HC disposed of the plea on June 30, 2005 with an observation that it is open to the authorities to proceed in accordance with the TN Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1975.
Aggrieved, the club moved an appeal which was also dismissed by the court.
The issue went up to the Supreme Court which directed that the club should be dispossessed only in accordance with the provisions of the 1975 Act.
The State initiated eviction proceedings under the Act and issued notice on September 28, 2018 which was challenged by the club through present plea. Granting liberty to the club to approach the appellate authority, the bench directed the authorities to proceed further in accordance with law.