CHENNAI: Contrary to the statement made by the Advocate General PS Raman before a division bench recently regarding the taking over of possession of the land leased out to Madras Race Club, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday informed the Madras High Court that the entire land measuring about 160 acres has already been taken into possession.
Senior counsel P Wilson, appearing for the revenue secretary, made the submission before Justice RMT Teekaa Raman when the MRC’s suit on lease termination and resultant notice to take possession of the land came up for hearing.
Despite the judge repeatedly seeking clarification and confirmation on whether the counsel for the revenue department contested the statement made by the A-G before the division bench, Wilson said, “Yes, it was a wrong statement.”
The A-G, on September 9, submitted before the division bench that the possession was not yet taken when the MRC brought the matter to the notice of the bench.
MRC land row: Court grants TN govt time to file counter-affidavit
Advocate General PS Raman also submitted before the bench that separate proceedings would be initiated by following the due procedures for termination of the lease and taking possession of the land. Recording his statement, the bench refused to grant an injunction to restrain the authorities to go ahead with taking possession of the land.
However, Wilson informed the court that the state issued a G.O. on September 6 and took possession of the land on September 9 and stated the action was taken in the “interest of the public”. He alleged that the MRC has been misusing the land and had not paid `731-crore rental dues.
Senior advocate PH Aravindh Pandian, representing the MRC, submitted that the possession was not yet taken. He sought the court to dispense with the mandatory notice to the respondents as per Section 80 (2) of the Code of Civil Procedure, by taking into account the urgency of the matter as the two-week time granted as per the revenue department’s notice would end on September 24.
However, Additional Advocate General J Ravindran sought the judge to grant time for filing a counter-affidavit. Saying that the possession has been disputed by the parties to the suit, the judge permitted the respondents to file a counter-affidavit and adjourned hearing to September 23.
‘MRC didn’t pay rent due’
Senior counsel P Wilson informed the court the state issued a G.O. on Sept 6 and took possession of the land on September 9. He alleged MRC has been misusing land and had not paid `731-crore rental dues