The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed a Madras High Court order directing the eviction of SASTRA (Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy) University from 31.37 acres of government land in Thanjavur, observing that the Tamil Nadu government should not treat the matter as a “prestige issue” and must act with sensitivity toward public educational institutions.
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vijay Bishnoi, directed the state government to constitute a high-powered committee comprising three senior officials to consider the university’s representations. The court also ordered that SASTRA be given a proper hearing and a final decision be taken within four weeks. In the meantime, the functioning of the university must not be disrupted, the bench said.
“The land has been utilised for decades by a university performing a public function. States must be sensitive in dealing with such institutions,” the court observed.
The bench acknowledged that encroachments on public land could not be regularised as a matter of policy but emphasised that the case involved a welfare-oriented institution rather than a commercial entity. “A welfare state must take into account the role played by such institutions in furthering public interest,” it added.
The case pertains to 31.37 acres of government land that is interspersed with and contiguous to SASTRA’s own patta land. According to the university, the disputed land has long been integrated into its campus, hosting academic buildings, hostels, utilities, and access roads. The land is essential to the university’s operations, which serve more than 12,000 students across disciplines like engineering, law, sciences, management, and liberal arts.
In 2018, the Supreme Court had earlier dismissed a plea by SASTRA, but allowed the university to make representations to the state government for regularisation or alternative relief. Between 2018 and 2021, SASTRA submitted multiple proposals, including offers to exchange land. However, these were rejected in 2022, and an eviction notice was served in February that year.
Following the eviction notice, SASTRA approached the Madras High Court. While the matter was pending, the High Court issued interim orders in August and September 2022, noting that classrooms and hostels were operational on the disputed land. The land was placed under court control, construction was prohibited, and the university was allowed to function pending final adjudication.
However, on January 9, 2026, the High Court dismissed SASTRA’s writ petitions, upheld the rejection of its representations by the state, and ordered eviction within four weeks. The university moved the Supreme Court soon after, reporting that government officials had arrived at the campus the very next day to assert control over the disputed portions.
Granting interim relief, the apex court underscored the importance of public institutions in delivering education and welfare services. It stated that while public land must be protected, governments must also account for the real-world impact of such actions, especially when they affect thousands of students and longstanding institutions.
The bench cautioned against making such matters prestige issues and reminded the state of its responsibility to act sensitively.
The Tamil Nadu government has been directed to decide SASTRA’s representation within four weeks through a specially constituted high-powered committee. Until then, the university will continue to function without interference.
SASTRA, a prominent deemed university located in Thirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, continues to operate pending further directions from the state panel.
