HC summons DCs over NHAI land dispossession

Taking a serious view of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) being dispossessed of the already acquired land, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has asked the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of Malerkotla, Sangrur and Fazilka to remain present in the court tomorrow. The Bench orally observed that the act of repossession and administrative inaction in face of hindrances might amount to contempt of court.

The action came after the NHAI filed a fresh affidavit drawing the court’s attention to its previous order dated May 5. The Bench had specifically directed that any hindrance faced by the NHAI in the execution of road projects be promptly addressed by the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs.

“In case of dispossession of the NHAI, any request made by the executing agency or the regional officer/official concerned of the NHAI for the removal of such hindrance, the Deputy Commissioner and the SSPs shall ensure expeditious and effective action forthwith,” the court had made it clear.

The affidavit placed before the Bench today conveyed that the land had been taken back in three instances, two of which pertained to the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway.

As per the NHAI’s status report dated May 12, 0.175 km stretch was taken back in Malerkotla on May 10, 0.07 km in Sangrur on the same date, and 1.77 km in Fazilka on May 7. The NHAI also submitted photographs showing hindrances and stated that the contractor had been asked to remove the machinery at one location. The NHAI was represented by senior advocate Chetan Mittal.

The affidavit noted that the corridor of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway was targeted for completion by December 2026, and the connecting Amritsar spur by December 2027, subject to the state’s continued support.