Observing that the right to property is now a human right, the Madras HC directed the National Highways Authority.
Chennai: Observing that the right to property is now a human right, the Madras HC directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to disburse compensation to a senior citizen whose lands were acquired for a road widening project near Tambaram.
Allowing the petition filed by octogenarian woman Siriyapushpam, Justice S. Manikumar said, “Necessary compensation amount should be deposited not later than one month and persons such as Siriyapushpam should receive their compensation as expeditiously as possible thereafter.”
The judge directed the additional government pleader to communicate the court’s order to the authorities for prompt implementation. Siriyapushpam’s 165 sq m land in Irumbuliyur village, near Tambaram, was notified for acquisition by NHAI in 2008 for widening, maintenance, management and operation of NH 45. Since she was not awarded any compensation by the authorities for more than five years, she filed the present petition.
NHAI counsel S. Prasanna informed the court that an administrative sanction for Rs 45 crore had already been issued. The additional government pleader said the special district revenue officer (land acquisition) would determine the amount for disbursal to the persons.
The judge said, “Siriyapushpam is now more than 80 years old and the NHAI has not paid any money in lieu of the land taken over from her more than five years ago. As the right to property has now been recognised by the apex court as a human right, and considering the age of Siriyapushpam and her legitimate right to seek compensation for the lands acquired, this court sincerely hopes that the authorities would implement the directions of this court in letter and spirit within the stipulated time.”
