A 75-year old man from Vellore district, whose land was acquired by the State government two decades ago for constructing a check dam across Bargur river, may finally get compensation for the acquired land, if a recent order of the Madras High Court is implemented by the authorities concerned. The High Court has directed that the compensation must be paid within eight weeks.
The land, measuring 0.16 hectare, was acquired from P. Govindasamy of Vellore district for constructing a check dam across Bargur river at Naravinthampatty village of Thirupattur taluk and later a notification under Section 4 (1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was issued to him in 1994.
However, whenever he approached authorities for compensation, he was directed to other departments. Even though he filed a petition in the High Court three years ago, no counter-affidavit was filed by the authorities.
Passing orders, Justice M.M. Sundresh said, “The facts would clearly show the lack of governance and official apathy. There is no point in tossing the petitioner’s request from one table to another. The responsibility lies with the Vellore Collector.”
“It is clear that the petitioner has been driven from pillar to post, despite his land having been acquired decades ago,” the judge said. The court then directed the Executive Engineer, PWD, Melpennaiyar River Basin Division, to take steps for compensating him. Besides, he directed the Vellore Collector to ensure that the compensation is paid within eight weeks.
