Ambur Shop Demolished by Railway Authorities After Legal Battle In Ambur, Tamil Nadu, railway authorities demolished a shop owned by a local DMK functionary after a prolonged legal battle. The structure, built on railway land, was ordered to be removed following a court directive. The shop, constructed by S. Sekar, a DMK leader, had been occupying railway property for 15 years. Despite multiple legal notices and court orders, Sekar failed to comply, leading to the forced demolition. The dispute began when the railway department issued notices to Sekar for encroaching on its land. However, he did not take action, prompting the court to intervene. A petition filed by local residents and activists highlighted the illegal occupation of railway property. The court mandated the removal of the structure, and railway officials executed the order using a JCB machine. Railway land is classified as government property, and occupants are not entitled to ownership rights. Legal experts noted that while long-term residents may receive compensation under certain conditions, the railway department retains full authority to evict occupants without providing alternative housing. The case underscores the legal complexities surrounding land ownership and the rights of individuals occupying government property. The demolition followed a series of legal proceedings, including a petition filed by social activist Sarath Kumar in the Chennai High Court. The court’s ruling emphasized that railway authorities have the power to remove encroachments at any time, regardless of the occupants’ tenure. This decision reinforces the legal principle that railway land cannot be privatized, even if occupied for decades. The incident has sparked discussions about the balance between individual rights and public infrastructure.#dmk #tamil_nadu #railway_authorities #ambur #s_sekar
