CHET SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE 29 landowners have approached this Court through the present petition with the prayer that a writ in the nature of mandamus be issued directing the respondents to pay the compensation which "they were bound to pay before taking possession of the land as per the provisions of Section 17(3) and (3-A) of the Land Acquisition Act.......".

(2.) THIS petition was posted before the Bench on July 26, 2000. Notice of motion was issued for October 30, 2000. It was directed that "the respondents shall determine the amount due to the petitioners and bring cheques for that amount in court on the aforesaid date". The direction was not complied with Even a reply was not filed on the date fixed viz. October 30, 2000. At the request of the counsel, the case was adjourned to December 20, 2000 with the direction that the order dated July 26, 2000 shall be complied with. Even on December 20, 2000, nothing was done. Consequently, vide our order of December 20, 2000, we had directed the Land Acquisition Collector and the Executive Engineer-respondents No. 3 and 4 to appear in Court and to show cause as to why proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 be not initiated against them.

(3.) BEFORE proceeding to consider the arguments of the counsel for the parties, a few facts may be noticed.