Summary:
Chennai, Nov 26 (PTI) Instead of leasing out its landed properties to commercial establishments for rent, the Defence department can retain them with it for providing more infrastructural facilities, the Madras High Court has suggested.
Justice S M Subramaniam gave the suggestion on November 23 while dismissing a batch of writ petitions from Major C Sathia Moorthy Gopalan, proprietor of a petrol pump and two other such persons, challenging the department"s action in evicting them for non-payment of rent running to several crores of Rupees for over a decade.
After considering the facts and circumstances, the judge found that the Defence department was finding it difficult to maintain its properties, which all are not in possession and leased out for some commercial purposes.
Thus, the defence properties are to be utilised for providing infrastructure facilities for its own benefit.
If these are going to be leased out for commercial purposes to third parties, the department is finding it difficult even to collect the rent from such tenants or lease holders and struggling to vacate the lessees, the judge pointed out and gave the suggestion.
The authorities may consider the suggestion and take a decision for disposal of such properties by following the procedures as contemplated and if necessary, by submitting a proposal to the Defence Ministry.