In a recent development, the Madras High Court has issued an order for a thorough investigation into a controversial land acquisition case involving 186 acres of government land in Silampanathanpettai, Cuddalore district. The land in question was allegedly acquired by DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) Member of Parliament (MP) Ramesh, who is facing accusations of granting land titles to relatives of acclaimed director Thangar Bachchan.
The matter was brought to the court’s attention when it was alleged that Ramesh had conferred land titles (patta) to individuals purportedly linked to Director Thangar Bachchan.
Justice SM Subramanian, presiding over the case, expressed his strong views on the matter during the proceedings. He emphasised that government officials, including the Revenue Tax Officer (RTO), whose salaries are funded by taxpayers, should prioritise public service over political affiliations. The judge firmly stated that any government employee found engaging in political activities should face dismissal from their position. He stressed the duty of government servants to serve the public diligently and without bias.
The case took a serious turn when it was revealed that the government land had been registered in the names of DMK MP Ramesh and relatives of Director Thangar Bachchan, allegedly without proper documentation. Devayanai, the panchayat chairman, lodged a complaint about these irregularities, prompting Justice Subramanian to summon the Cuddalore Revenue Commissioner to appear before the court.
During the court proceedings, petitioners claimed that government lands were registered under the names of the DMK MP and the director’s family members. Additionally, they alleged unauthorised use of the land for cashew farming. However, the government denied these allegations, asserting that the petitioner was referring to a different piece of land.
Justice Subramanian expressed concern about the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the conversion of government lands and water bodies into registered properties. He noted that such practices could not occur without the involvement of government officials. He reminded all government employees that corruption within their ranks would not go unpunished under the law.
The Cuddalore Revenue Commissioner had initially dismissed the petitioner’s request to cancel the registrations. Justice Subramanian, dissatisfied with this response, called for a comprehensive inquiry into the case and demanded a detailed report to be submitted to the Land Commissioner within three months.
The next hearing for this case is scheduled for 22 January 2024, as the court strives to ensure a fair and thorough investigation into the alleged land acquisition scandal. The Madras High Court has made it clear that it will not tolerate any illegal activities that impact the rights of vulnerable communities and the misuse of government resources.
It is noteworthy that the same MP is also facing murder charges in a case where he was named as the prime accused. Ramesh was booked on charges of murdering a worker at a cashew unit in the town of Panruti.
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