V KUPPAN Vs. SECRETARY TO GOVERNMENT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since the issues involved in the above writ petitions are similar in nature, a common order has been passed. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, as well as the learned Additional advocate General, appearing for the respondents.

(2.) These writ petitions have been filed challenging the Government Orders, made in G.O. Ms. No. 164, dated 21.7.2008, permitting the Managing Director, Tamil Nadu Housing Board, Chennai, the second respondent in the above writ petitions, to withdraw the earlier resolution, dated 24.6.1994, relating to the reconveyance of the lands in question to the erstwhile owners and to proceed with the housing scheme for which the lands had been acquired.

(3.) The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners had submitted that the lands in question had been acquired for the purpose of the housing scheme, as per the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. While so, by a resolution of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board, passed in its meeting, held on 24.6.1994, it had been resolved to recommend to reconvey the lands to their erstwhile owners, as there was no proper access to the said lands, and as they were far away from the Highway concerned. Further, there was no sufficient demand for houses to be constructed in the area concerned and that Wallajah had not been included in the model town selected by the Government.