Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)
Mangaluru, Aug 29: The elderly couple residing at Suratkal, who recently learned that the land they have been living on, and which they had purchased decades ago was non-transferable, has now received a deadline to vacate the land and house. The couple has been asked to vacate the place by September 10.
About 47 years ago, the couple spent all their savings to purchase a 38-cent land at Suratkal. The land was purchased by the couple from a third party. But some months ago, the couple received an order from the government pertaining to Karnataka Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act, 1978, according to which, the land they had purchased from the third party came under the Prohibition of Transfer of Certain Lands (PTCL Act).
According to the Act, transfer of certain lands granted by the government to persons belonging to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the state, is prohibited. Such property will be eventually acquired by the government and returned to the original owner without any compensation to the purchaser.
The assistant commissioner, tahsildar and revenue department officials visited the couple’s house on Tuesday, August 29 and informed them about the court order and deadline. Felix Coelho was at home when the officials visited the house. His wife Stella Coelho is admitted to a private hospital because of high blood pressure.
It is said that Felix requested the officials to permit him and his wife to lead their lives in the same house till their death. The officials refused to grant permission and said that they could not do anything to help the couple, as it was an order from the court.
Hundreds of people gathered at the spot. Many of them suggested Felix to seek legal assistance.
Speaking to daijiworld, resident Rudy said, "Nothing wrong on the part of the officials. They are just doing their duty. At the same time, we cannot blame the elderly couple for their lack of awareness of law. They purchased this land 47 years ago. It is very tragic that they are old and ill as well. Who will provide them a new shelter? We feel pity on them."
Another neighbor said, "We do not know what will happen on September 10. We know the couple from many years. They are very humble and polite and have no intention of violating the court orders. But once they vacate the land, they will not have any alternative shelter. That is so unfortunate."