Tamil Nadu Releases 4,396 Acres, Resolving Decades-Old Land Disputes

CHENNAI: In a landmark move, the Tamil Nadu government has released 4,396.44 acres of land, providing relief to thousands of homeowners affected by decades-long acquisition disputes. An additional 743 acres are in the process of being freed, signaling a significant breakthrough in resolving long-standing land deadlocks, Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Muthuswamy announced.

The legal stalemate dates back to the 1980s, when the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) attempted to acquire approximately 10,075 acres but never completed the process. As a result, the land remained in legal limbo, preventing both the Board and original owners from utilizing it. Over time, some portions were sold to third parties, further complicating acquisition efforts.

Following repeated attempts to resolve the matter, Chief Minister M. K. Stalin directed a uniform approach based on individual eligibility. TNHB, in coordination with relevant departments, classified the land into five categories, with an additional segment for plots officially recorded in government records.

Plots in the first two categories, where only preliminary notices had been issued, were released to protect innocent buyers from potential legal action, preventing the demolition of thousands of homes. Land in categories three and four is under review by two retired officials tasked with examining court orders, government notifications, and housing board records, with recommendations expected by November. The fifth category comprises land fully acquired and partially developed by TNHB, over which it retains full rights.

The Chief Minister emphasized safeguarding financial interests, ensuring that original costs and interest remain recoverable while structuring obligations to remain affordable for current owners. To ensure transparency, complaint boxes have been installed at 16 locations for affected individuals to submit applications.

This initiative marks a decisive step by the Tamil Nadu government to resolve one of the state’s longest-standing land disputes, offering clarity and relief to homeowners who had been caught in legal uncertainty for decades.