Supreme Court Halts Eviction of SASTRA University from Government Land

Supreme Court's Intervention in SASTRA University Case

The Supreme Court intervened on Thursday, putting a stop to the Madras High Court's directive that ordered the eviction of the 'SASTRA University' from government land located in Thanjavur.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Suryakant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vijay Bishnoi instructed the state government to form a high-level committee consisting of three senior state officials. The bench emphasized that this committee should consider the university's representation and provide an opportunity for a hearing before making a decision within four weeks.

Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi represented the state government during the proceedings. The bench urged the state to handle matters concerning public educational institutions with 'sensitivity' and stated that no disruptions should occur in the university's operations until the committee reaches a conclusion regarding the representation.

However, the bench also made it clear that encroachments on public land cannot be encouraged. Granting interim relief to the university, the bench remarked, 'This land has been utilized for public purposes by a university for decades. States should exhibit sensitivity when dealing with such institutions.' This interim order was issued in response to an appeal filed by the university challenging the Madras High Court's ruling from January 9.