M.MAHARAJAN Vs. GOVERNMENT OF TAMILNADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I have heard Mr.P.Rajendran, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr.M.Elumalai, learned Government Advocate appearing for the respondents.

(2.) The petitioners, who are 28 in number, challenged a Notification issued by the first respondent in G.O.Ms.No.62 Environment and Forest Department dated 24.6.2009, published in the Tamil Nadu Government Gazette on 23.9.2009, which was in exercise of powers under Section 16 of the Tamil Nadu Forest Act (for short, the Act) declaring the area, the boundaries of which were specified in the schedule as reserve forest with effect from 24.3.2010.

(3.) The lands, which are the subject matter of this writ petition, are in Kannivadi Hills in Ayyampalayam Village. The petitioners claim that the lands were earmarked by the Government for being assigned to the landless poor pursuant to a decision taken by the Government in G.O.Ms.No.3150 Forest and Fisheries Department dated 04.12.1971.