In Brief
The State of Haryana challenged a High Court order that allowed unauthorized occupants of Gram Panchayat land to legalize their occupation on payment of market price. The land was reserved for school premises and playground in Magharpur village. The Supreme Court held that unauthorized occupation of public land earmarked for essential community purposes cannot be legalized, regardless of compensation offered. As approximately 5 kanal and 4 marla of the 11+ kanal school reserve was illegally occupied by residential constructions, and no playground existed, the unauthorized occupation had to be removed. The Court quashed the High Court's order and granted 12 months for voluntary vacation, after which forcible removal would proceed.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.