Quick Summary: In a recent decision dated November 25, 2025, the Madras High Court decided that a road in Chennai is private, not public. The case involved residents of Sri Sakthi Nagar and Balavinayagar Nagar who believed it was a public road. Both the initial and higher courts disagreed with them.
The case was about a road called "New Street / Mahalinga Street" in Sri Sakthi Nagar, Arumbakkam, Chennai. Residents, including Kanagaraj and others, argued that this road had been used by everyone for over 25 years. They wanted an official statement confirming it as a public road and a court order to stop any building by the other side.
Devanathan and others argued that the road was private. They said it was part of Mahalinga Achari's land, meant as a private street for four plot owners. They showed ownership documents and layout plans to support their claim, pointing out that the road was not given to the Corporation of Chennai.
"The road is just a private path, maintained by the owners themselves," stated the Corporation of Chennai in an earlier case.
The initial court and the higher court looked at all the evidence, including reports and plans. Both courts decided that the road is a private path, not a public one. They noted there was no proof showing the road was meant for public use or managed by the Corporation.
Dr. Justice A.D. Maria Clete, who was in charge of the case, agreed with the earlier decisions. The judgment emphasized that the conclusions were based on solid evidence and legal rules. The court found no reason to change the decisions, as no major legal questions were raised.
"The conclusions reached by both Courts are neither random nor unfair," the judgment noted.
The Second Appeal was dismissed right at the start. The court found no reason to challenge the previous decisions, and no cost was imposed. This decision highlights the importance of having clear legal documents and understanding the difference between public and private property in cities like Chennai.
