HARBHAJAN SINGH Vs. NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the parties.

(2.) By means of the present writ petition, petitioners have sought the indulgence of this Court for a direction to the respondents to pay the compensation of Rs.62,82,000.00 in lieu of arbitral award dtd. 27/1/2023 for acquisition of the land comprised in Khasra No.186/4 admeasuring 0.0781 hectare of Village Kichha, Tehsil Kichha, District U.S. Nagar for the purpose of widening of NH-74 (Kashipur to Sitarganj from 175 to 256.9 Km.) along with interest @ 18% per annum till actual payment.

(3.) It is the case of the petitioners that the land of the petitioners was acquired by the National Highway Authority of India for the purpose of widening of the NH- 74 (Kashipur to Sitarganj from 175 to 256.9 Km.) vide notification dtd. 5/7/2013. After acquisition of the land, the proceedings for determination of compensation were conducted before the respondent no.2-Competent Authority under Land Acquisition Act, (CALA). The respondent no.2 has passed an award dtd. 12/6/2015 and the compensation of the land was determined @ Rs.7,500.00 per sq. mtr. accordingly, the petitioners were awarded a compensation to the tune of Rs.64,43,215,.00 which amount was admittedly paid to the petitioners. None of the parties challenged the award passed by the CALA before any Forum provided under the law.