A.Raju 1.Kalaiselvi v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 15.09.2025

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE DR.JUSTICE ANITA SUMANTH AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE C.KUMARAPPAN A.Raju ... Died/Writ Petitioner 1.Kalaiselvi 2.Arunkumar 3.Divya ... Appellants/3rd Parties Vs.

1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Special Thasildhar, National Highways Authority, Level 2 Office, Madurai District.

...Respondents

PRAYER:- Writ Appeal filed under Clause 15 of Letters Patent, to set aside the order made in W.P.(MD)No.2987 of 2021 dated 18.10.2023 on the file of this Court.

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For Appellants : Mr.S.Sukumar For Respondents : Mr.S.P.Maharajan Special Government Pleader

JUDGMENT

(Judgment of the Court was made by DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.) This Writ Appeal challenges an order dated 18.10.2023, dismissing plea for Mandamus directing the District Collector and Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition - Competent Authority), National Highways, Madurai, to disburse enhanced compensation as per market value for the land in Survey No.83/2A1, Rajakambiram Village, Maduri North Taluk, Madurai District admeasuring 8.46 cents (3680 square metres) within a designated time frame.

2.The land acquisition in question took place as early as in 2009, and in the writ affidavit, the writ petitioner makes it clear that an award under Section 3(2) of the National Highways Act, 1956, was passed in 2009 itself. In such circumstances, the writ petitioner has made a representation only on 14.12.2020. The writ Court has rightly dismissed the Writ Petition on the ground that the representation was made 11 years after the acquisition and the passing of the award. 2/5

3.We find nothing untoward in the conclusion of the writ Court to the effect that the National Highways Act, 1956 is a complete code in itself, providing for a comprehensive procedure, including timelines, for seeking enhancement of compensation.

4.In such circumstances, there is no question of considering a belated representation seeking enhancement. Accordingly, this Writ Appeal is dismissed confirming the order of the writ Court. The proper course of action for the appellants is to approach the competent Court and seek enhancement of compensation in accordance with the procedure laid down under law. No costs.

[A.S.M.J.,] & [C.K.J.,] 15.09.2025 NCC :Yes/No Index :Yes/No Internet :Yes ps 3/5

To 1.The District Collector, Madurai District, Madurai.

2.The Special Thasildhar, National Highways Authority, Level 2 Office, Madurai District.

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DR.ANITA SUMANTH, J.

AND C.KUMARAPPAN, J.

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