Court orders attaching of NHAI property

Ropar, June 16

Additional District and Sessions Judge Neelam Arora has ordered the attachment of land, bank accounts and other property of the National Highways Authority of India for failing to disburse adequate compensation to farmers for land acquisition. The NHAI had acquired the land from the farmers of Kalyanpur and Kiratpur Sahib villages for National Highway No 21 eight years ago.

Advocate GS Badwal said the farmers who were not satisfied with the compensation given at the time of the acquisition had pleaded with the arbitrator to enhance it. The latter had deciding in favour of the farmers. The NHAI, however, moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court against this decision. The High Court told the NHAI to disburse 50 per cent of the enhanced amount to landowners immediately. When the NHAI failed to do the needful, the landowners moved the local court for implementation of the HC’s orders.

As per the Ropar judge’s orders, the NHAI land at the Solakhian toll plaza, its bank accounts and articles including airconditioners, fans and furniture will be attached. The next date of hearing is August 10. — TNS