Overview
The Supreme Court on 19 May 2026 issued a notice in response to a petition filed by residents of Chinna Udaippu village, who belong to the Scheduled Caste. The petition challenges the eviction ordered by the Tamil Nadu government to clear land for the extension of Madurai International Airport. The petitioners claim that the eviction violates their fundamental rights under Article 21 and Article 300A.
Key Developments
- 19 May 2026 – A two‑judge bench (Justice MM Sundresh & Justice Satish Chandra Sharma) issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu government.
- The petitioners seek a built house, two acres of agricultural land and a rehabilitation package as mandated by the RFCTLARR Act, 2013 and the Tamil Nadu Land Acquisition Laws, 2019.
- Earlier, on 27 February 2026, the Madurai bench (Justice G Jayachandran & Justice K K Ramakrishnan) gave families two weeks to vacate, holding that the acquisition in 2009 fell outside the 2013 Act’s purview.
- The state government asserts that it has already paid compensation, provided ex‑gratia amounts, and offered a 2‑cent house site plus a built house under a special scheme.
Important Facts
• More than 300 families (over 1,000 individuals) are affected.
• The land was originally acquired in 2009 for airport expansion.
• The petitioners argue that statutory safeguards under the 2013 Act and the 2019 State Act were not observed.
• The case is listed as P. Malairajn & Ors v. The Government of Tamil Nadu & Ors (SLP(C) No. 10335/2026).
Exam Relevance
The case illustrates t