Manoj Paul Claims Calcutta High Court Issued Notice in PIL Alleging Government Land Encroachment

Political activist and former Lok Sabha candidate Manoj Paul has stated that the Calcutta High Court's Circuit Bench at Port Blair has issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by him concerning alleged encroachment on government land at Lillipur Junction.

Speaking outside the court after the hearing, Paul claimed that the matter relates to a building allegedly constructed on land previously occupied by APWD Quarters H-91 and H-92. According to him, the Court observed that a prima facie case existed and issued notice to the respondents.

Paul further claimed that the Court has sought responses from the Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police, Chief Secretary and the Andaman Public Works Department (APWD) regarding the allegations raised in the PIL.

In his statement, Paul alleged that the construction involved encroachment on government land and also made allegations regarding the role of certain public officials in permitting such encroachments. He additionally alleged that several hotels across Port Blair had been constructed on encroached government land.

Paul said he was able to file the PIL based on information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, and thanked officials from APWD and the Revenue Department for providing documents.

He further stated that if the court ultimately orders action in the present case, similar alleged encroachments elsewhere in the Islands should also be examined.

At the time of publication, no response from Rajesh Anand or the authorities named in the video statement was available. The allegations made by Manoj Paul have not been independently verified by Dweep Tulika, and the matter remains sub judice before the Calcutta High Court.