Bombay High Court Takes Stern Action Against NHAI in Nagpur Land Compensation Case
The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court has taken decisive legal action against officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). On Thursday, the court issued a formal contempt notice to NHAI authorities for their persistent failure to disburse an agreed compensation amount of 11 crore rupees to Maharaj Bagh Club Limited.
Judicial Bench Directs Immediate Response from Highway Authority
A division bench comprising Justice Anil Kilor and Justice Raj Wakode delivered this significant ruling. The court specifically directed the superintending engineer and project director of NHAI, Nagpur, to file their comprehensive response to the contempt notice by April 1. This deadline establishes a clear timeline for the highway authority to address the court's concerns.
Background of the Land Acquisition Dispute
The contempt proceedings stem from what appears to be blatant non-compliance with an earlier High Court order. That previous judicial directive had explicitly ordered NHAI to pay compensation for land acquired for crucial infrastructure development in Nagpur.
The land in question was acquired for two significant projects:
- Construction of a flyover
- Road widening between the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and university area
According to Maharaj Bagh Club's representation, NHAI had formally agreed to pay 11 crore rupees as fair compensation for the acquired land. This agreement was reached through proper legal channels and was expected to be honored promptly.
Chronic Delays Prompt Legal Escalation
Despite the passage of nearly two years since the compensation agreement, NHAI has failed to disburse the substantial amount. The Club's management made repeated representations to the highway authority, seeking resolution through administrative channels. When these efforts proved fruitless, the Club had no alternative but to approach the High Court for judicial intervention.
The legal proceedings have now reached a critical juncture with the issuance of the contempt notice. This legal instrument represents the court's growing impatience with NHAI's delayed compliance and serves as a formal warning of potential consequences for continued non-adherence to judicial orders.
Advocate Sahil Dewani appeared for Maharaj Bagh Club Limited in these proceedings, representing the petitioner's interests before the division bench. The case highlights ongoing challenges in infrastructure development compensation and the judicial system's role in ensuring government agencies fulfill their legal obligations.
