KASHMIRA SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The hearing of the case was held through video conferencing on account of restricted functioning of the Courts.

(2.) Through this writ petition, as many as 28 petitioners who are residents of various villages have invoked the extraordinary jurisdiction under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India, for the following substantive reliefs:-

(3.) Some facts are required to be noticed. In order to expand the capacity of Chandigarh Kharar Ludhiana Road, the Union of India acquired the land situated in various villages, semi urban areas, cities and towns. The notification under Section 3-A of the National Highways Act, 1956 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act of 1956') was issued on 03.04.2014, followed by a declaration under Section 3D on 28.01.2015. The competent authority passed an award determining the amount of compensation payable to the landowners on 23.06.2015. However, there were certain left over pockets of land which were required for completing the work of four laning the highway. Hence, a fresh notification was issued on 13.07.2018, followed by a declaration under Section 3D on 07.01.2019. The competent authority passed an award for almost all the villages on 31.05.2019. However, the amount with respect to the land situated in the villages Jatana Ucha and Jatana Niwan, was announced on 19.03.2020.