Yusuf Pathan Withdraws Land Dispute Plea in Gujarat High Court Against VMC's Order To Vacate Plot
Former India cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan withdrew his appeal from the Gujarat High Court on August 31, 2026, challenging an August 2025 order designating him an 'encroacher' on a 978-square-meter government plot in Vadodara.
Former India cricketer and Trinamool Congress MP Yusuf Pathan, 43, on Monday, August 31, 2026, withdrew his appeal from the Gujarat High Court challenging an August 2025 single-judge order that declared him an 'encroacher' on a 978-square-meter government plot in Vadodara. Pathan's legal team indicated they would now pursue his claim through administrative channels, relying on a state government policy for land allotment to international cricketers. Yusuf Pathan Declared an âEncroacherâ: Gujarat High Court Orders Former Cricketer To Vacate Government Land Next to His Vadodara Bungalow, Says âCelebrities Are Not Above Lawâ.
The Heart of the Dispute
The long-standing land dispute revolves around a 978-square-meter plot in Vadodara's Tandalja area, adjacent to the Pathan family's residence. Pathan first sought allotment of this public land in 2012, citing security concerns. The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) initially approved a proposal for a 99-year lease without public auction, even valuing the land at approximately Rs 5.6 crore at the time, which Pathan was willing to pay. However, the Gujarat government's Urban Development Department rejected the direct allotment proposal in June 2014, emphasizing the need for transparent procedures.
Despite the rejection, Pathan continued to occupy the plot, leading to the VMC issuing an eviction notice in June 2024, shortly after his election as a Lok Sabha MP from Baharampur, West Bengal. Pathan challenged this notice before the High Court.
Judicial Scrutiny and the 'Encroacher' Tag
In August 2025, a single-judge bench, led by Justice Mona Bhatt, upheld the state government's decision and declared Pathan an "encroacher." The court firmly stated that "long possession" without paying consideration does not confer any legal rights over government land, and that such an illegality could not be perpetuated. Justice Bhatt also delivered strong observations on the conduct of public figures, noting that "celebrities are social role models and by virtue of their fame and public presence they wield substantial influence on public behavior hence granting leniency to them despite their non-abeyance of law gives wrong message to the society."
Pathan subsequently filed an appeal against this order before a Division Bench of the Gujarat High Court in February 2026. During hearings in June 2026, the Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray, questioned Pathan's unauthorized occupation and cautioned that continued delay in vacating the property would incur higher damage assessments. Yusuf Pathan Ordered To Clear Encroachment, Gujarat High Court Rejects TMC MPâs Plea Challenging Vadodara Municipal Corporation Decision To Reclaim Encroached Plot.
A Strategic Withdrawal
On Monday, Pathan's senior advocate, Shalin Mehta, informed the division bench that his client had instructed him to withdraw the appeal. Mehta explained that they had been awaiting a response from the VMC regarding their application under a state policy allowing land allotments to international cricketers but had received no communication. 'Because we are saying that there is a circular which allows international cricketers to be given a plot. I think I will withdraw because I haven't heard anything from them (VMC). I have taken instructions from my clientâŚif it is to happen, it will happen outside the court; otherwise it won't happen,' Mehta submitted. The court accepted the submission and dismissed the appeal as withdrawn, without imposing any costs or making further observations on the merits.
The withdrawal leaves the August 2025 single-judge order intact, meaning Pathan officially remains designated as an encroacher on the government land. However, it clears the path for him to pursue administrative remedies and a fresh application under the relevant state policy for international sportspersons. The success of this approach now hinges on the VMC and the state government's willingness to apply the policy in his favour.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 04, 2026 11:50 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
