Gujarat High Court Warns Yusuf Pathan of Punitive Damages for Encroachment
The Gujarat High Court has issued a stern warning to cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan, cautioning him that he may be liable to pay punitive damages for encroaching on government land. The court made the oral observation while granting Pathan four weeks' time to respond to the notice issued by the authorities.
The bench, while hearing the matter, observed that even if Pathan were eventually allotted the property under the government's policy, he would still be required to pay damages for the period between 2014 and 2026. This period marks the duration of his alleged unauthorized occupation of the land.
The case pertains to an encroachment on government land in Vadodara, where Pathan is accused of occupying a plot without proper authorization. The court's warning underscores the seriousness of the matter and the potential financial consequences for the former cricketer.
Yusuf Pathan, a former Indian cricketer and current member of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has been given time to submit his reply. The court has made it clear that the allotment, if any, under the policy will not absolve him of the liability for the period of unauthorized use.
The High Court's stance highlights the judiciary's firm approach towards encroachment cases, especially those involving public figures. The matter is scheduled for further hearing after four weeks.
