Popular Restaurant Faces Demolition After Court Order
Popular restaurant Saravana Bhavan’s Alandur branch was demolished by the Chengalpattu district administration early on Tuesday morning following a court ruling that the land belonged to the Tamil Nadu government. The eviction and demolition drive began around 4 a.m., as officials arrived with heavy machinery to clear the 40,112-square-foot property located along GST Road near the Chennai airport.
According to sources, the disputed land is valued at around ₹300 crore and had been occupied by the popular hotel chain for several years. Revenue officials, supported by local police, evicted the staff present at the site before sealing the premises. Within hours, the structure was razed to the ground, and a government notice board was installed to prevent further encroachments.
Popular Restaurant’s Land Dispute Ends After Years of Legal Battle
The popular restaurant had been embroiled in a legal dispute with the Chengalpattu district administration for several years. The land, listed under Survey No. 1467/2, was officially classified as “poramboke” meaning it belongs to the government and cannot be used for private or commercial purposes without proper authorization.
Officials had earlier issued multiple notices to the hotel management, stating that the lease period had expired and instructing them to vacate the property. However, the management filed a petition before the Alandur Civil Court challenging the government’s claim. The case continued for several years until the court recently dismissed the petition and declared the land as state property.
Following the court’s ruling, revenue officials promptly carried out the eviction drive to reclaim government land. Sources in the administration said the demolition was part of an ongoing campaign to recover illegally occupied public properties across Tamil Nadu.
Popular Restaurant Eviction Draws Public Attention
The eviction of such a popular restaurant has sparked widespread public interest, especially among Chennai residents who frequently visited the location. Many commuters passing along GST Road stopped to witness the demolition as excavators brought down the once-bustling establishment.
Employees working nearby said that officials acted swiftly and ensured the process went smoothly without any disruption to traffic. “They started very early in the morning. By the time the city woke up, the restaurant was gone,” said a local resident.
The restaurant’s staff, who were present during the operation, were reportedly cooperative and evacuated without resistance. Furniture, kitchen equipment, and signboards were removed before demolition began. By mid-morning, the land was cleared and sealed under government supervision.
Popular Restaurant Case Highlights Crackdown on Encroachments
The demolition of this popular restaurant comes amid a broader state effort to reclaim encroached government land. Officials have been identifying properties leased or occupied without valid extension or renewal documents. Similar eviction actions have taken place in other parts of Chennai, focusing on commercial buildings occupying state-owned plots.
Authorities stated that such measures are necessary to ensure transparency in land use and to prevent private entities from benefiting from public property. The Chengalpattu district administration emphasized that all evictions are being carried out following due legal process and court directions.
Meanwhile, local residents welcomed the move, saying it sets an example that even well-known names are not above the law. Some, however, expressed disappointment over losing a familiar landmark that had served the community for years. Also Read: Chennai Pose Risk: 1 Major Flyover Turns Hazardous for Daily Commuters
Conclusion:
The demolition of the popular restaurant at Alandur marks the end of a long-standing dispute and signals the government’s firm stance against encroachments. With land valued at ₹300 crore now under state control, the case reflects Tamil Nadu’s continued efforts to recover public property and enforce urban regulations. As authorities intensify their crackdown, similar cases across Chennai may soon face the same outcome ensuring that every piece of government land is returned to its rightful purpose.
