HC seeks State’s reply in land compensation case

Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy of the Telangana High Court on Thursday directed the State to obtain instructions in a contempt case alleging non-compliance with an earlier order directing payment of additional interest by way of damages for taking possession of private lands without completing valid acquisition proceedings.

The judge is dealing with a contempt case filed by Thumma Kishan Reddy and 66 others alleging failure to implement the directions issued in writ proceedings concerning land admeasuring Ac.27.35 guntas situated in Bollikunta Village of Khila Warangal Mandal.

The dispute arose from acquisition proceedings initiated under the Land Acquisition Act which were subsequently set aside by the High Court in 2016. On appeal, a division bench directed the State to initiate fresh acquisition proceedings. Pursuant thereto, a fresh notification was issued in May 2022, and an award was passed in June 2023. The compensation was subsequently paid to the landowners in January 2024.

However, the petitioners complained that the authorities failed to pay damages and interest for the period during which their lands remained under occupation. The judge relying on the Supreme Court judgment held that the landowners were entitled to additional interest at 15% per annum when the fresh acquisition notification was issued.

The judge further directed payment of interest at 9% per annum for the first year and 15% per annum thereafter until actual payment or deposit of compensation. The authorities were directed to complete the exercise preferably within four months. Alleging non-compliance with the said directions, the landowners initiated contempt proceedings. The judge accordingly posted the matter to November 5 for further hearing.