Madras High Court Quashes Property Acquisition Notice by CMRL

The Madras High Court annulled a notice from Chennai Metro Rail Limited demanding United India Insurance to justify why its property should not be acquired. The court condemned the notice for violating Article 14 of the Constitution and emphasized the unfair change in metro station location.

The Madras High Court on Tuesday nullified a notice issued by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) targeting United India Insurance Company Limited's city property. The notice demanded an explanation within 30 days regarding the acquisition of an 837 square meter area for a metro project.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh voided the September 26, 2024 notice in response to a petition from United India Insurance Company. The company opposed CMRL's plan to acquire their property portion. The initial CMRL proposal entailed constructing a metro station at a temple location on Whites Road, but protests by M/s Aalayam Kaapom Foundation led to a revision in plans and the subsequent issue of the contested notice.

The judge affirmed the illegality of the notice, referencing its violation of Article 14 due to promissory estoppel and lack of procedural fairness. The decision highlighted that relocating the metro station without meeting public safety and policy concerns constituted an abuse of power. Consequently, the court deterred CMRL from proceeding, calling the potential acquisition grossly unjust and arbitrary under constitutional norms.