HC dismisses PIL alleging encroachment by star hotel

: The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition alleging encroachment by a private star hotel at nearby Mamallapuram and directed revenue authorities to make necessary changes in the village records expeditiously.
The Court had recently dismissed the PIL filed by the District Deputy Secretary of Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi, V Kittu against GRT Hotels and Resorts(P) Limited.
"In view of the conspectus of the facts and circumstances of the case, we do not find any force in the allegations of the petitioner and that too styled as a PIL," it said.
The Court then directed the Village Administrative Officer of Thirukazhukundrum Taluk to make necessary changes in the revenue records as per the order of senior revenue authorities dated January 23, 2003.

"The affidavit of government authorities clarifies the position so far as the land records are concerned and show that what India Tourism Development Corporation Limited, New Delhi, owned has been passed onto GRT Hotels and Resorts (P) Limited, which they must be allowed to enjoy, utilize and unhindered by any obstructions."
The matter relates to the alleged impingement of 9.99 acres of land in Mamallapuram Village by GRT hotels.

The petitioner had alleged that the land used by residents of Mamallapuram had been encroached by GRT Hotels and that the hotel building was constructed in violation of the rules and regulations.

Moreover, bogus pattas were obtained by the Hotel, which were used to avail loans, he alleged.
After perusing all records and affidavits filed by the government, the Court said "ITDC had acquired the lands together with buildings, free from all encumbrances and has been absolute owner of the alleged land with clear title over the properties."
Noting that the Tahsildar of Thirukazhukundrum Taluk, after perusing all the documents of GRT Hotels, had issued patta in their favour, it directed the subordinate revenue authorities to make necessary entries of changes in the revenue records, vide letter dated January 23, 2003.
But apparently no changes were carried out in village records," it noted.