JUDGMENT :

Arup Kumar Goswami, J.

Heard Mr. Dhiraj Kumar Wankhede, learned counsel for the appellants. Also heard Mr. Trivikram Nayak, learned Panel Lawyer, appearing for respondents No.1 to 5 and Mr. Priyankesh Chandrakar, learned counsel, appearing for respondents No.6 & 7.

2. This writ appeal is presented against an order dated 22.10.2021 passed by the learned Single Judge in Writ Petition (C) No.3051 of 2020, holding the writ petition to be maintainable and thereby dismissing the objection filed by the appellants herein questioning the maintainability of the writ petition.

3. The records of the writ petition are also before this Court.

4. The case of the petitioners in the writ petition is that in respect of acquisition of land of the petitioners acquired for the purpose of widening of road at National Highway No.200 (New No.130), an award dated 16.01.2013 was passed in case No.28A-82/2010-2011 and respondent No.7 in the writ petition, i.e., National Highways Authority of India (for short ‘NHAI’), through Project Director, was directed to pay the compensation amount of Rs.9,69,388/-.

5. Being aggrieved, the petitioners filed an application under Section 3G(5) of the National Highways