HC orders sealing of HSVP offices in Gurugram over unpaid land compensation

The Punjab and Haryana High Court reprimanded Haryana authorities Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran for their “willful and willful” failure to comply with court directions before ordering immediate seizure and sealing of the offices of the Land Acquisition Collector (LAC) and of Property Officers I and II. , HSVP, Gurugram. Justice Harkesh Manuja issued the directions in a contempt case in which the authorities did not compensate the petitioners for using their unacquired land for over a decade.

The case concerned the acquisition of 16 kanal 6 marla land in Narsingpur Kasan village in Gurugram, for sectoral roads through a 2010 notification under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. “Surprisingly” the authorities took possession of additional 4 kanal 15 marla of the UN -acquired land owned by the petitioners without legal sanction or compensation. Despite repeated court directions, the authorities did not disburse the compensation even after assessing it at Rs 6.41 crore as per the current rate of collectors.

Violation of property rights.

The actions of the authorities violated article 300-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of property rights. The respondents are acting in violation of the basic fundamental principles of the Constitution of India – High Court

Justice Manuja observed: “The lack of will on the part of the respondents towards compliance with the order appears voluntary and deliberate. Despite using the petitioners’ land since 2011, not a single cent has been offered to them.” The court added that the actions of the authorities violated Article 300-A of the Constitution, which guarantees the protection of property rights. “The respondents are acting in violation of the fundamental principles of the Constitution of India,” he added.

Expressing displeasure over the prolonged inaction, the court noted, “While taking a lenient stand, this court granted the respondents more than two months to do the needful, but the same was never accomplished.”

The court directed the Deputy Commissioner and Commissioner of Police, Gurugram to ensure immediate seizure and sealing of the offices, and a compliance report to be submitted to the Gurugram district and sessions judge. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on December 2.