AMAR SINGH Vs. STATE OF H P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition depicts a shocking State of affair where the officials of the State instead of looking after the interest of the public seem hell bent to thwart the legitimate rights of the citizens of the State.

(2.) Respondent No. 3 National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) set up two Hydro Electric Projects known as Chamera-I and Chemera-II. As far as this petition is concerned, we are only concerned with Chamera-I project. Land was acquired for the construction of this project and a rehabilitation package was drawn up for payment of compensation to the families dispossessed of their lands. As per this rehabilitation package employment had to be given to 700 people. It is not disputed that 508 people were granted employment in terms of the package. The NHPC claimed that even prior to the package employment had already been given to 192 persons whose land had been acquired. The stand of the NHPC was that since these 192 persons were already working in the Project it was not necessary to provide employment to them again or to any other member of their families. This matter was referred to a High Powered Committee which was constituted in the following terms:

(3.) Thereafter, the Committee met and decided as follows: