The Hon'ble Supreme Court in Asikali Akbarali
Gilani's case (supra) was considering the matter
regarding encroachments on different places, however, in
the present case, as observed earlier, the decree holders
cannot be termed as encroachers until and unless the
petitioner - Municipality proves its ownership over the
disputed property.
8.1 In the case of Asikali Akbarali Gilani vs. Nasirhusain
Mahebubbhai Chauhan reported in (2016) 10 SCC 799, more
particularly paras:15 and 16, are since relevant observations, are
reproduced herein after, wherein Hon'ble Apex Court has dealt
with a situation regarding the municipal land and has observed that
municipality is a trustee and therefore should ensure that public
streets are not encroached upon and further municipality cannot
lease out any portion of public street. Considering the large scale
demolition drive in the area, Hon'ble the Apex Court has directed
the Collector to have case to case examination and by undertaking
such process, if found that structure has been erected after cutoff
date, no right of rehabilitation would ensure to the applicant for
unauthorise structure on the public property. Now herein in the
said decision, the Hon'ble Apex Court was dealt with in an issue
where there was lease to the extent of 896 and in that process
original entries of occupants were with process of law and in that
circumstances also the Hon'ble Apex Court has held that, if the
occupants are found to be after cutoff date then they may be
removed, whereas, here in a case on hand, neither there is any
lease nor there is any lawful entry nor any remote right is visible
which would entitle any protection to the petitioners. More so,
learned advocate appearing for the petitioners Mr.Thakkar has
candidly submitted that there is no right, title over the land to
occupy but since several years they are on the land some human
approach to be shown. But so far as legal right to occupy is
concerned, none of the applicants are having any such right and
this Court found that in absence of any lawful authority to occupy
public property, no one should be allowed to use, occupy or
construct upon it. Simply because the petitioners are residing since
number of years would not give license to them to continue
unauthorised construction. Hence, in absence of any legal right in
Page 19 of 24 C/SCA/7560/2018 ORDER
favour of petitioner, the Court would not incline to issue a writ of
mandamus.
5. That apart, the learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the
respondent failed to consder the continuous possession of the petitioner
over the property for a period of more than fourty years before passing the
final orders. Also, the learned counsel for the petitioner has relied on the
https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis
3/11
C.R.P. No.2566 of 2023 &
C.M.P.Nos.15853 and 21869 of 2023
Judgments of the Hon'ble Supreme Court reported in (2016) 10 Supreme
Court cases 799 [ Asikali Akbarali Gilani and Others Vs. Nasirhusain
Mahebubbhai Chauhan and Others], wherein it is held that 'If erection of
such unauthorised structures is not conformity with State Policy, then
Collector is required to take action as per directions of High Court within
two months' .
Referring to the
decision in Asikali Akbraali Gilani & Ors. vs. Nasirhusain
Mahebubbhai Chauhan & Ors., reported in (2016) 10 SCC 799,
he submits that since the illegal structures of the appellants
have been tolerated for more than 30 years, the respondents
should be directed to find an alternative solution, adopting a
more humane approach. He submits that a direction be issued
to the respondents to restore possession to the appellants or to
make arrangements for their rehabilitation.
When the matter is called out, learned advocate,
Shri Nikhil Kariel seeks permission to withdraw the
present Second Appeal with a view to avail alternate
remedy under the provision of the Street Vendors
(Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street
Vending) Act, 2014 as well as in light of the
observations made by the Hon'ble Apex Court in a
judgment in case of Asikali Akbarali Gilani Vs.
Nasirhusain Mahebubbhai Chauhan & Ors., reported in AIR
Page 1 of 2
HC-NIC Page 1 of 2 Created On Sat Aug 12 11:07:05 IST 2017
C/SA/205/2016 ORDER
2016 SC 4766. Permission is granted. The present Second
Appeal stands disposed of accordingly without prejudice
to the rights and contentions of the appellants. It is
also clarified and goes without saying that as and when
such application is made, same may be considered in
accordance with law.