HC stays TN notification on acquiring part of Kodanadu land

Chennai, Jan 24 (PTI) Madras High Court today stayed arecent Tamil Nadu Government notificiation seeking to acquiretwo pieces of land belonging to Kodanad Estate, used as aretreat by AIADMK leader Jayalalithaa, for laying a publicroad for development of two villages.

The order was passed on a petition filed by the Manager ofthe estate in Nilgiris District challenging the governmentnotification issued on December 31 last.

Petitioner S.Natrajan contended that the notification was"mala fide and colouarble exercise of power", issued with thesole intent of prejudicing the rights of the estate and the"camouflage of public purpose� set out in the notificationwas baseless and contrary to the facts.

He submitted that if the private roads of the estate wereconverted into public roads, the safety and privacy itsresidents would be violated.

He also argued the impugned proceedings were not inaccordance with provisions of the Land Acqusition Act.

When the matter came up before Justice M.Jaichandren, hegranted the stay and called for records from the authoritiesconcerned. The Additional Government Pleader took notice.

The matter was posted for further hearing on Feb 3.