HC directs govt to file counter within four weeks

The Madras High Court today directed the state government to file a reply within four weeks specifically stating as to why a task force on the lines of the one in Karnataka should not be created to identify encroached lands.
The first bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh, was hearing a PIL filed by one V B R Menon of K K Nagar seeking to constitute a permanent Special Task Force with adequate powers for removal of encroachments from all categories of vacant government land.
The bench also directed the government to specifically state as to "what is the mechanism in force to check and prevent encroachments on public lands."

Observing that the pattern, which was introduced in Karnataka, had been proved to be "a fruitful experience" in this regard, the bench directed the government pleader to file the counter affidavit.
The petitioner sought a direction to the state government to constitute a permanent special task force with adequate powers and responsibilities to conduct periodical inspections, field surveys and removals of encroachments from all categories of vacant government lands situated within the revenue districts of Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur in the first instance and proceed to the entire state thereafter.
After issuing notice to the government pleader to file the counter,the first bench posted the matter for further hearing to April 4.