M.Vijayagopal v. The District Collector

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 20.01.2026

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY W.P.No.48211 of 2025 M.Vijayagopal ... Petitioner -vs1.The District Collector, Cuddalore / Arbitrator, Cuddalore District.

2.The Competent Authority & Special District Revenue Officer (LA), National Highways 45C, Villupuram.

... Respondents PRAYER: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, pleased to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records pertaining to the impugned order Na.Ka.Arbit A1/13375/2018, dated 06.10.2023, passed by the 1st respondent and quash the same, as illegal, arbitrary and directing to the respondents to enhance the compensation amount with the statutory benefits.

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For Petitioner : Mr.R.Chakkaravarthy For Respondents : Mr.P.Sathish, Additional Government Pleader **********

ORDER

The petitioner's land was acquired under the National Highways Act, 1956 (the National Highways Act). Being aggrieved by the compensation determined in respect thereof, the petitioner had approached the District Collector functioning as an arbitrator under the statute. An arbitral award dated 06.10.2023 was issued. Such award is challenged herein.

2. Learned Additional Government Pleader accepts notice for both the respondents. He submits that the provisions of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (the Arbitration Act) are made applicable to an award of the District Collector under the National Highways Act. Therefore, he submits that the petitioner cannot overcome the limitation period prescribed therein by filing a writ petition.

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3. The National Highways Act makes the provisions of the Arbitration Act applicable. Therefore, the remedy prescribed in the Arbitration Act for challenging an arbitral award is applicable. Such challenge is in accordance with Section 34 thereof. In view of the existence of such statutory remedy, I am not inclined to entertain this writ petition. By leaving it open to the petitioner to approach the jurisdictional District Court in accordance with law, this writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, the connected writ miscellaneous petition is closed.

20.01.2026 Internet : Yes / No kal To 1.The District Collector, Cuddalore / Arbitrator, Cuddalore District.

2.The Competent Authority & Special District Revenue Officer (LA), National Highways 45C, Villupuram.

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SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY,J kal W.P.No.48211 of 2025 20.01.2026 4/4