RAGHURAJ Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This batch of three writ petitions has been filed by land owners alleging non compliance of the provisions of sec. 3C(2) of the National Highways Act, 1956 (for short "the Act of 1956") in the matter of acquisition of land for construction of road.

(2.) On notice, respondent no.2 filed a detailed counter affidavit, which has been adopted by respondent nos. 3 and 4.

(3.) It appears that respondent no.2 issued a gazette notification dtd. 11/10/2018, proposing acquisition of land for construction of National Highway between Porsa and Ater (Porsa-Ater-Bhind Road) falling in National Highway No.552. For the purpose of acquisition of land, proceedings under sec. 3A of the Act of 1956 were started. The objections were to be filed within 21 days of the date of publication of notification. Since the notification was published in newspaper on 1/3/2019, the petitioners after acquiring knowledge of the same, filed objection dtd. 8/3/2019, which was received on 12/3/2019. The objection (Annexure P/5), in fact, is suggestive in nature; relevant paragraph whereof is reproduced thus :-