B.Vaanazhagan v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 04-12-2025

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY B.Vaanazhagan, S/o. Balasundaram, No.1/359, Pillaiyar Koil Street, Padur, Chengalpattu Taluk and District, Pincode - 600 103.

..Petitioner Vs 1.The District Collector, Kancheepuram District, Kancheepuram.

2.The Special District Revenue Officer (L.A.)/ The Special District Collector (L.A.), Chennai Kanniyakumari Industrial Scheme, Kancheepuram Taluk and District.

3.The Special District Revenue Officer (L.A.) Highways Department, Chengalpattu Taluk and District.

4.The Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, Information Technology Expressway Scheme, Tambaram, Chengalpattu.

5.The Special Tahsildar (L.A.), Information Technology Expressway Scheme, Tambaram, Chennai 47.

..Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for issuance of Writ of Mandamus directing respondents 1 to 5, particularly respondents 2 to 5 for proper assessment and pay further fair compensation of the subject acquired land and building, situated at No. 1/359, Pillaiyar koil street, Padur Village, Chengalpattu Taluk and District, Pin code600 103, comprised in S.No. 645/36 (Village Naththam old S.No. 276/7), to an extent of 3723 sq.ft. ( 346 sq.mtrs) by considering the petitioner's representation dated 24.10.2025.

For Petitioner:

Mr. R.Thanjan For Respondents:

Mr.Vadivelu Deenadayalan, AGP

ORDER

The petitioner's land was acquired under the Tamil Nadu Highways Act, 2001 (the Highways Act). The award in relation thereto was issued on 10.02.2017. The petitioner seeks enhanced compensation.

2. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner sent a detailed representation on 24.10.2025 requesting re-assessment of the compensation. Since no other alternative remedy is available, he submits that the petitioner has approached this Court.

3. Mr.Vadivelu Deenadayalan, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for all the respondents. He submits that the petitioner had a remedy under Section 20 of the Highways Act to seek a reference within sixty days of the decision of the Collector determining the amount payable as compensation. Even if the date of determination were to be reckoned as 18.06.2025, he contends that the petitioner has lost the right to seek such reference.

4. On perusal of the documents placed on record, it is evident that the compensation payable to the petitioner was determined as a sum of Rs.87,86,702/- under order dated 10.08.2024 issued under Sections 19(3) and 19(6) of the Highways Act.

5. As contended by learned Additional Government Pleader for the respondents, even if computed from the date of payment on 18.06.2025, the time limit for seeking a reference under Section 20 of the Highways Act has long expired. In these circumstances, the request of the petitioner cannot be countenanced.

6. The writ petition stands disposed of with the above observations. There will be no order as to costs.

04-12-2025 Index : Yes/No Internet:Yes/No kj SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY, J.

kj To 1.The District Collector,

Kancheepuram District, Kancheepuram.

2. The Special District Revenue Officer (L.A.)/ The Special District Collector (L.A.), Chennai Kanniyakumari Industrial Scheme, Kancheepuram Taluk and District.

3. The Special District Revenue Officer (L.A.) Highways Department, Chengalpattu Taluk and District.

4. The Special Deputy Collector, Land Acquisition, Information Technology Expressway Scheme, Tambaram, Chengalpattu.

5. The Special Tahsildar (L.A.), Information Technology Expressway Scheme, Tambaram, Chennai 47. 04-12-2025