Nagarajan.A v. The District Collector

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED : 13.12.2023

CORAM

THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.R.SWAMINATHAN A.Nagarajan ... Petitioner Vs.

1.The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Arbitrator under the National Highways Act, Collectorate, Nagercoil - 629 001.

2.The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer, (Land Acquisition - National Highways) Tirunelveli, Now at Observatory Street, Opposite to Collectorate, K.P.Raod, Nagercoil.

3.The National Highways Authority of India, Represented by the Project Director, National Highways Authority of India, Tirunelveli, Now at Pleasant Nagar, K.P.Road, Nagercoil.

... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court to issue a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, to call for the records on the file of the 1st respondent in Na.Ka.Vu3/32555/2020, dated 09.12.2020 and quash the same and 1/4

consequently direct the 1st respondent to consider the representations of the petitioner, dated 16.07.2021 and 26.06.2023 and take Arbitration proceedings under section 3G(5), (6) and (7) of the National Highways Act 1956 and the Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996, on the arbitration application filed by the petitioner dated 19.11.2020 against the award of the 2nd respondent in Roc/J3/30/2010/Award No.02/2018, dated 19.02.2018 and pass an arbitral award within such time as may be directed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Azeem For Respondents : Mr.K.Balasubramani, Spl. Government Pleader for R1 & R2.

Mr.Su.Srinivasan, Standing Counsel for R3.

ORDER

Heard both sides.

2.The petitioner's lands were acquired under the provisions of National Highways Act, 1956. Award was passed by the second respondent. Questioning the same, the petitioner had availed arbitral remedy before the first respondent. As per the statutory scheme, the first respondent must dispose of the matter within twelve months. Now the said period has far been exceeded. The first respondent is directed to 2/4

pass order on the petition mentioned arbitral petition on merits and in accordance with law within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. I make it clear that the first respondent shall not seek extension of time. He shall pass an award within the aforesaid period. I have not gone into the merits of the matter. 3.This writ petition is disposed of accordingly. No costs. 13.12.2023 NCC : Yes/No Index : Yes / No Internet : Yes/ No ias Issue order copy on 15.12.2023.

To:- 1.The District Collector, Kanyakumari District, Arbitrator under the National Highways Act, Collectorate, Nagercoil - 629 001.

2.The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer, (Land Acquisition - National Highways) Tirunelveli, Now at Observatory Street, Opposite to Collectorate, K.P.Raod, Nagercoil.

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G.R.SWAMINATHAN, J.

ias 13.12.2023 4/4