Tamil Nadu Pushes to Reclaim Janmam Lands and Resume Development Work

Government Seeks Apex Court’s Nod for Infrastructure on Janmam Lands

Tamil Nadu Pushes to Reclaim Janmam Lands and Resume Development Work: In a decisive move, the Tamil Nadu government has approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to resume the development of janmam lands in Gudalur, Nilgiris district. These lands, under litigation due to legal challenges stemming from the Tamil Nadu Gudalur Janmam Estates (Abolition and Conversion into Ryotwari) Act, 1969, have long housed communities waiting for basic infrastructure like roads, water, and sanitation.

The government’s plea includes lifting the stay order that currently prevents the State from creating essential facilities on these lands. This development is part of the broader commitment to restore government control over 34,986 acres of expired janmam land leases.

CM Stalin’s Commitment to Long-Term Inhabitants

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who chaired a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat in Chennai, instructed officials to accelerate the process of reclaiming janmam lands and improving the living conditions of residents, especially those in Section 17 lands under the 1979 amendment of the Ryotwari Act.

He emphasized the urgent need to provide basic amenities like electricity, schools, roads, and clean water to families who have lived on these lands for generations. According to the CM, development should not be stalled due to legal delays when it directly affects people’s quality of life.

Legal Strategy: Separate Hearings for Swift Resolution

In addition to lifting the stay, the State will request the Supreme Court to segregate cases related to the 1969 Janmam Estates Act from other broader land-related litigations. This move is intended to fast-track the hearing process, allowing quicker implementation of welfare measures for affected populations.

The State plans to file an interlocutory application before the court, signaling its intent to balance legal compliance with humanitarian urgency.

Administrative Focus and Policy Backing

The meeting was attended by senior leaders including Higher Education Minister K. Ponmudy and Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, along with legal and administrative officers. Their discussions revolved around practical steps to resume ownership, avoid encroachments, and initiate infrastructure development once legal clarity is obtained.

This policy shift reflects the government’s long-standing aim to rectify historical land injustices, especially those that impact marginalised and tribal communities in hilly regions like Gudalur.

Static GK Snapshot: Janmam Land Issue in Tamil Nadu