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Madras High CourtWP/6549/2026disposed of

K.Balasubramaniam v. The District Collector /

2026-03-02Honourable Mr Justice Abdul Quddhose6 pages

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 02-03-2026

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE ABDUL QUDDHOSE K.Balasubramaniam S/o.Kannadasan, Rajarajeswari Nagar, Durgam Road, Kallakurichi Taluk and District-606 202.

..Petitioner(s) Vs

1. The District Collector / The Land Acquisition officer, Chinnasalem-Kallakurichi, New Broad Guage Railway Line Project, Collectorate, Kallakurichi.

2. The District Revenue Officer Chinnasalem-Kallakurichi New Borad Guage Railway Line Project, Collectorate, Kallakurichi.

3. THE SPECIAL TAHSILDAR (Land Acquisition) Chinnasalem-Kallakurichi, New Broad Gauge Railway Line Project, Southern Railway, Office of the Tahsildar, Kallakurichi Taluk and District.

..Respondent(s) PRAYER - This Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, seeking for a Writ of Mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to pay interest on the compensation amount of Rs.2,91,148/- paid towards 1/3rd development charges as per the award dated 30.08.2025 in NaKa.Aa.1/2674/2019 calculated from the date of the original award in Na.Ka.Aa.1/2674/2019 dated 20.06.2024 at the rate of 9 % per annum for the

first year, i.e till 19.06.2025 and thereafter at the rate of 15 % per annum till 09.01.2026 being the date on which the compensation amount was deposited into the petitioner's account and also to pay interest on the compensation amount of Rs.6,46,348/- paid towards arithmetical error in determining the compensation in the original award as per the Award dated 18.09.2025 in Na.Ka. Aa1/2674/2019 calculated from the date of the original award in Na.Ka. Aa.1/2674/ 2019 dated 20.06.2024 at the rate of 9 % per annum for the first year i.e., till 19.06.2025 and thereafter at the rate of 15 % per annum till 10.11.2025 being the date on which the compensation amount was deposited into the petitioner's account upon consideration of the petitioner's representation dated 12.01.2026 within the time frame.

For Petitioner(s):

Mr.Senthil.S For Respondent(s):

Mr.P.Sathish, Additional Government Pleader

O R D E R

This Writ Petition has been filed to direct the 1st respondent to pay interest on the alleged delay in payment of the compensation to the petitioner in respect of the lands acquired from the petitioner based on his representation dated 12.01.2026 within a time frame fixed by this Court. 2.Earlier, the petitioner had challenged the deduction of 1/3rd from the compensation amount determined by the respondents on account of development charges before this Court by filing a Writ Petition in W.P.No.35735 of 2024. By the order dated 25.11.2024, the said Writ Petition

came to be allowed and the deduction of 1/3rd towards development charges was quashed by this Court. In view of the same, the petitioner was also paid the 1/3rd deducted amount. However, according to the petitioner, there was a delay on the part of the respondents to pay the entire compensation amount. The petitioner seeks for payment of interest for the delayed payment at the rate of 9% per annum for the first year till 19.06.2025 and thereafter, at the rate of 15% per annum till 14.08.2025 as per the provisions of Section 72 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (hereinafter referred to as the 'RFCTLARR Act' for the sake of convenience).

The petitioner also seeks for payment of interest on the compensation amount paid towards arithmetical error in determining the compensation at the rate of 9% per annum for the first year till 19.06.2025 and thereafter, at the rate of 15% per annum till 10.11.2025. The petitioner had given a representation for the aforesaid purposes on 12.01.2026 to the respondents. Since the same has not been considered, the petitioner has filed the present Writ Petition. No prejudice would be caused to the respondents if the petitioner's representation dated 12.01.2026 is considered in accordance with law within the time frame to be fixed by this Court. 3.Mr.P.Sathish, learned Additional Government Pleader takes notice on behalf of the respondents.

4.This Court is not expressing any opinion on the merits of the petitioner's representation. For the foregoing reasons, this Writ Petition is disposed of by directing the 1st respondent to pass final orders on merits and in accordance with law on the petitioner's representation dated 12.01.2026 seeking for payment of interest for the alleged delay in payment of the entire compensation amount to the petitioner in respect of the lands acquired from him which is the subject matter of this Writ Petition within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. No costs. 02-03-2026 Index: Yes/No (5/6) Speaking/Non-speaking order GSA To

1. The District Collector Cum Land Acquisition Officer Chinna Salem - Kallakurichi New Broad Gauge Railway Line Project, Collectorate, Kallakurichi.

2. The District Revenue Officer Chinnasalem - Kallakurichi New Broad Gauge Railway Line Project Collectorate, Kallakurichi.

3. The Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition) Chinna Salem - Kallakurichi, New Broad Gauge Railway Line Project Southern Railway, Office Of The Tahsildar, Kallakurichi Taluk And District.

ABDUL QUDDHOSE, J.

GSA 02.03.2026 (5/6)