NHAI Directed to Disburse Compensation Within Prescribed Period Following Mutual Consent Land Acquisition Settlement

The petitioners, Sandhya Patel and Mongra Patel, filed separate writ petitions seeking compensation for their respective lands (Khasra Nos. 212/12, 211/3, 212/3, and 212/11) situated in District Mahasamund, which were utilized for the construction of National Highway 6.

The petitioners alleged that while their lands were used for the road, they had not been formally acquired or compensated.

During the proceedings, the State and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) submitted that compensation had already been determined based on a "mutual consent scheme" as per a communication dated 25.07.2018 from the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue).

1. Whether the petitioners are entitled to specific directions for the formal acquisition of land and payment of compensation for areas utilized for National Highway construction.

National Highways Act, 1956, specifically regarding the acquisition of land for national highways and the determination of compensation.

Mutual Consent Scheme for land acquisition, which allows for the determination of compensation and transfer of title through a sale deed based on the agreement between the landowner and the acquiring authority.

The Court did not adjudicate on the merits of the land's status but focused on the consensus reached during the hearing.

The State's counsel provided evidence via a calculation sheet and official communication (Annexure-R/2) showing that compensation for both petitioners had already been computed under a mutual consent framework.

The NHAI confirmed it would initiate payment and deposit the requisite amount with the Land Acquisition Officer/SDO (Revenue) upon the execution of sale deeds by the petitioners.

Since the petitioners agreed to cooperate with these proceedings, the Court found that the substantial grievances regarding non-payment would be resolved through the completion of these administrative formalities rather than through prolonged litigation.

The NHAI was specifically ordered to deposit the compensation amount before the Competent Authority within one month from the date of the order and both parties were directed to cooperate to ensure the prompt payment of compensation.