LIANKHUMA Vs. STATE OF MIZORAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. A.R. Malhotra, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners. Also heard Ms. Melody L. Pachuau, learned Govt. Advocate appearing for the State respondent Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 6 and Mr. B. Lalramenga, learned standing counsel, Environment & Forest Department of the State, respondent No.4.

(2.) The State respondents and the respondent No.5, namely, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited (NEEPCO, in short) entered into an agreement on 29.05.1996 for construction of Tuirial Hydro Electric Project in the State of Mizoram. For the aforesaid purpose, on the approval of the State Government, the Deputy Commissioner-cumthe District Collector, Aizawl District, Aizawl, Mizoram, the respondent No. 6 acquired land at various places of the district under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, as amended and also passed numbers of Land Acquisition Awards being 2/1998, 4/2002 5/2002 5/2003 6/2003 etc.

(3.) It is submitted that the work of said Hydro Electric Project was stalled for years due to agitation of the land owners, whose land were acquired in the aforesaid Awards; but were not paid any Land Acquisition Compensation for their acquired land and that now the work for the said project has resumed.