V N SANTHANAM Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners are owners of agricultural lands at Veppur Village, Vellore District. The lands of the petitioners are sought to be acquired by impugned G.O. Ms. No. 92 (Transport) (I-1) dated 8.5.2012 issued by the third respondent under Section 4(1) read with Section 17(2) and (4) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The petitioners have filed this writ petition to quash the impugned notification on various grounds and the main grounds are:

(2.) Though the 7th respondent was served notice, they have not chosen to appear before this Court either in person or through counsel and to file counter affidavit.

(3.) In the counter affidavits, the respondents refuted the allegations made by the petitioners. According to them the lands are required for laying railway track at Veppur Village in the railway line between Tindivanam and Nagari. According to the respondents, there was no illegality in invoking the emergency provision of the Land Acquisition Act, since the laying of railway track is for public purpose.