Even as IAS officer Nishant Krishna is set to assume charge as Madurai district collector this week, the district administration faced embarrassment on Friday after its official vehicles were attached as part of court-ordered recovery proceedings over unpaid land compensation.
Court Officials Execute Attachment Order
Court officials arrived at the Madurai Collectorate to execute an attachment order passed by the Fifth Additional District Court, Madurai, in connection with compensation due to the Karpaga Vinayagar Nagarathar Trust for land acquired for a National Highways project.
According to advocate S Madhavan, around 2.5 acres of land belonging to the trust, located behind the Madurai Bench of the Madras high court, was acquired in 2004. Though compensation was awarded, the amount was not paid, leading to prolonged legal proceedings.
Arbitration and Execution Petition
An arbitration original petition was subsequently filed before the Madurai District Court against the Madurai district collector, the special tahsildar (land acquisition) and the project director of National Highways-45B. The court allowed the petition in favour of the trust.
Madhavan said that despite the award, the authorities failed to deposit the compensation amount. The trust then moved the Fifth Additional District Court by filing an execution petition. “Even after the execution petition was filed, none of the respondents, including the district collector, the special tahsildar or National Highways officials, came forward to pay the amount,” he said.
Accumulated Compensation Exceeds Rs 3.5 Crore
According to Madhavan, the amount payable under the award stood at Rs 2,42,69,995.13 when the execution petition was filed. “With accrued past and future interest, the amount has now exceeded Rs 3.5 crore,” he added.
Assets Identified for Attachment
As part of the attachment proceedings, court officials identified movable assets of the Collectorate, including the district collector’s official car, other government vehicles, computers, air-conditioners, printers, tables, chairs and office bureaus.
“All these items are being identified for attachment,” Madhavan said, adding that the action was initiated following the court’s direction to recover the compensation amount due to the trust.
Despite repeated attempts, officials at the district collectorate were unavailable for comment.
Background of the Case
The land acquisition was for a National Highways project, and the trust has been fighting for compensation since 2004. The court order underscores the prolonged legal battle and the failure of authorities to comply with the award.
