G. BALASUBRAMANIAN, Vs. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR ARIYALUR,

JUDGEMENT

(1.) SINCE the issue raised in all these writ petitions is one and the same, they are being disposed of by the following common order.

(2.) IN W.P.No.123 of 2002, the petitioner challenges the notice of the second respondent dated 31.12.2001, informing that his request for re -classification of house site patta for the land in which he is residing is rejected. In the other writ petitions, namely, WP.Nos.151 to 156 of 2002, the petitioners are praying for issuance of writ of mandamus forbearing the respondents from in any way dispossessing them from their house in Survey No.171 and 323, Kumbakonam Salai, Jayankondam, Ariyalur District, except with procedure established by law.

(3.) ACCORDING to the petitioners, during 1960's the Authorities permitted poor persons belonging to Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes and Irulars to eke out their livelihood, artisans, agricultural labourers and coolies to occupy portion of survey Nos.323, 240, 362/1 etc., which are poramboke lands in Jayankondam. Pursuant to the permission granted, they put up their own houses. Many of them have put up constructions including tiled houses and their occupation of the residents exceeds 30 years. Recognising their occupation and putting up houses, the Janyankondam Town Panchayat assessed the houses to property tax and they have been paying the same. Electricity connection has also been provided. They secured family card and drawing ration from the fair price shops. Considering the grievance of similarly placed persons, the Government have passed an order in G.O.No.168 Revenue dated 27.03.2000, directing to issue patta to the occupants under certain circumstances. All the residents addressed the Authorities for issue of patta to them, so that they can live in peace. The Town Panchayat has also recommended their case for grant of patta. However, the Tahsildar, Jayankondam informed the petitioners that the District Collector, Ariyalur has not accepted their request for re -classification and rejected the claim for conversion into natham and issue of patta. Under these circumstances, the petitioners have filed the present writ petitions.