NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY Vs. NIHAR RANJAN SAHU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since both the Writ Petitions involve a common question of law and substantially similar facts, they are being heard and considered together. However, this Court feels it appropriate to treat W.P.(C) No.27589 of 2024 as the leading case for proper adjudication of both the matters.

(2.) W.P.(C) No.27589 of 2024has been preferred by the Petitioner challenging the legality and validity of Arbitration Award passed in Misc. (Arbitration) Case No.03/2019, NH-6 dtd. 26/12/2023 u/s 3-G(5) of the NH Act, 1956 passed by the Collector & Arbitrator, Keonjhar which directed the Tahasildar-Cum-CALA, NH-6, Patna now LAO & CA, NH-6, Keonjhar to recalculate the land acquisition compensation @ Rs.60,00,000.00 per acre towards acquisition of Ac 1.17 dec of land pertaining to Plot No.289,290,297,299, 316, 287/528, 298/530, 311, 312, Khata No. 38/5, Kisam- Taila-I, Village Dumuriguda and to pay the differential compensation along with interest @ 9% over the said amount u/s 3-H(5) of the NH Act, 1956.

(3.) The facts giving rise to the present Petition can be pithily summarised as under: