NHAI Told to Pay Up for Acquisition

December 24, 2013

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By Express News Service – CHENNAI

The Madras High Court has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to pay the compensation amount due to an octogenarian woman, whose land was acquired for widening road near Tambaram. Justice S Manikumar, who gave the direction, pointed out that the woman is now over 80 years old. The NHAI has not paid any money for the land taken over from her five years ago.

As right to property has been recognised by the Supreme Court as a human right and considering the age of Siriyapushpam, her legitimate right to seek compensation for the land acquired must be paid, the judge said. The judge hoped that the authorities would implement the directions of this court in letter and spirit within the stipulated time.

Siriyapushpam’s land measuring 165 sqm in Irumbuliyur near Tambaram was notified for acquisition by the NHAI in 2008 for widening, maintenance, management and operation of NH 45. As she was not given any compensation for more than five years, she filed the present petition.

NHAI’s counsel informed the bench that Rs 43 crore has been sanctioned. The TN government counsel told the court that the special district revenue officer (land acquisition) would determine the amount for disbursal to the persons concerned. He also requested the court to specify time limit for completion of the process. Justice Manikumar, stipulating that necessary compensation amount should be deposited not later than one month, said persons such as Siriyapushpam should receive their compensation as expeditiously as possible. He directed the government counsel to communicate the court’s order to the authorities for ‘prompt implementation’.

Source-http://www.newindianexpress.com