Supreme Court asks Tamil Nadu government to consider alternative site rather than evicting SASTRA varsity

The Supreme Court on Monday (September 21, 2026) asked the Tamil Nadu government to explore if suitable alternative land was acceptable in lieu of government land allegedly encroached upon by SASTRA University in Thanjavur.

A three-judge Bench said the land in dispute was used by an educational institution serving a public purpose. The court, at one point, asked why the State government was so “obstinate” on eviction and demolition of the institution.

The Bench said the State government could identify an alternative site for its proposed open-air jail and have the university bear the cost of it.

The court was hearing SASTRA University’s plea against a Madras High Court order of January 9. The High Court had upheld the State government’s rejection of its request for assignment or exchange of government land and directing its eviction.