Punjab has prompted the intervention of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Faced with discrepancies in official data and unsatisfactory explanations regarding persistent delays in handing over acquired land, the High Court has issued a firm directive to deputy commissioners (DCs) and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) across the state. The court has mandated these officials to ensure the expeditious transfer of encumbrance-free land to the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) within clearly defined timeframes. The judicial directive was issued by a Bench of Justices, following a case brought before it by the NHAI, represented by a senior advocate, seeking the rightful possession of land acquired specifically for vital national highway projects within the state. During the proceedings, the advocate representing the NHAI highlighted the significant extent of the delays, contending that a substantial 136.67 kilometres of the sanctioned highway network, out of a total of 1,288.31 kilometres, remained pending due to the state’s failure to hand over the necessary land parcels.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, the High Court expressed its strong expectation that the NHAI would now receive the long-awaited possession of all pending land tracts. This decisive action is aimed at enabling the unimpeded construction of key infrastructure projects that are considered vital for regional connectivity and economic development. Among these crucial projects are the ambitious Delhi-Katra Expressway and its strategically important spur connecting to the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar, both of which stand to significantly improve transportation links and boost economic activity in the region. The court’s intervention was preceded by its decision to summon the concerned DCs and SSPs after the emergence of significant inconsistencies between the affidavits submitted by the Regional Officer of the NHAI and the Punjab Chief Secretary. While the NHAI’s representative stated that 136.67 km of land remained pending, the Chief Secretary’s affidavit indicated a considerably lower figure of only 88.39 km. This discrepancy in official records underscored the need for direct judicial intervention to clarify the situation and ensure accountability.
The state authorities had previously attributed the delays in land handover to various factors, including protests by kisan unions and attempts by landowners to repossess acquired land. However, the High Court found these explanations to be unsatisfactory, emphasizing the need for more proactive and effective measures to overcome these hurdles and facilitate the smooth transfer of land for critical infrastructure development. During the resumed hearing, the court took on record the oral undertakings provided by the DCs present, reflecting a commitment from the administrative leadership to address the issue. Subsequently, the court issued clear directions mandating the DCs to ensure the handing over of encumbrance-free land to the NHAI within specific, defined periods. This direct judicial oversight and the recording of official commitments signal a determined effort to break the deadlock and accelerate the progress of these long-delayed highway projects, which are essential for the state’s infrastructure and connectivity. The timely completion of these projects is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on the region’s transportation efficiency, economic growth, and overall connectivity.
Punjab Officials Told to Expedite Land Handover
