TN Releases 4,396 Acres from Decades-Old Land Disputes, Relief for Thousands of Homeowners

In a landmark initiative, the Tamil Nadu government has freed nearly 4,396 acres of land long held under acquisition disputes for over four decades, now offering relief to thousands of homeowners. Another 743 acres are now with the government for re-evaluation, announced Housing and Urban Development Minister S. Muthuswamy around Tuesday.

Back in the 1980s, the TNHB was attempting to acquire about 10,075 acres for development, and it never fructified. The proposed acquisitions are still in some legal ambiguity-neither the Housing Board nor the original owners can use the land. Over time, portions were sold to unsuspecting buyers, creating a tangle of legal and ownership complications. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin directed a uniform resolution policy after years of failed attempts to settle the deadlock through piecemeal applications and reviews.

TNHB and allied departments classified the disputed lands into five categories, with a separate segment for plots officially recorded in government documents. Land falling under the first two categories where only preliminary acquisition notices had been issued has now been released to protect innocent buyers from legal consequences, preventing the demolition of thousands of houses.

For categories three and four, two retired officials have been appointed to examine court rulings, government notifications, and housing board records. Their recommendations are expected by November. The fifth category covers land that was fully acquired and partly developed by TNHB, which continues to retain ownership rights.

The government has also taken steps to ensure fairness and financial accountability. According to the minister, the CM has stressed the need for the Housing Board to recover original costs and applicable interest, but in a manner affordable for current homeowners. To promote transparency, complaint boxes have been set up in 16 locations where affected individuals can submit petitions and supporting documents. “This decision balances the interests of homeowners and the Housing Board while resolving a dispute that has dragged on for more than 40 years,” Muthuswamy said, calling it a “historic correction” that safeguards both citizens and the state’s financial interests.