People who Misuse Political Power to Grab Land Citing Election Expenses Pose a Direct Challenge to Democracy- Madras HC

No one is above the law including political parties: Justice N Anand Venkatesh 

On Friday, Madras High Court came down heavily on people who use political power to grab land or demand money. Such actions are a threat to democracy and need to be crushed with iron hands, the court said. The system has witnessed a rise in the number of complaints against people who misuse political power for illegal gains like demanding money and grabbing land. Landowners fall prey to continuous harassment from political workmen in such cases.   

The court was of the view that activities like land grabbing in the name of political expenses will have a direct impact on the political party’s reputation. 

Political parties are meant to work for the welfare of people: Madras HC  

A plea was filed before the High Court when work on a housing project was halted by political workers claiming to be members of Viduthalai Siruthaigal. These people not only threatened the workers on the site but also went ahead and put up a shamiana at the property to illegally occupy the same.

Justice Venkatesh stated that "This Court cannot turn a blind eye to such blatant illegal activities committed by certain persons claiming to belong to a particular political party.” 

Therefore, the Avadi Police was ordered to provide instant protection to the petitioner and to take some action against the people involved in land grabbing. The Court further added that the authorities should make sure that no one takes advantage of their status of being affiliated to a political party to grab the land. The Court ordered the petitioner to make a fresh representation on the issue to the police authorities, with all relevant documents and a copy of the High Court's direction.