JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. A.R. Malhotra, learned counsel for the petitioners, Ms. Zairemsangpuii, learned CGC for the respondent No. 1, Mr. C. Lalfakzuala, learned counsel for the respondent Nos. 2 & 3 and Mrs. Mary L. Khiangte, learned Govt. Advocate for the respondent Nos. 4, 5 & 6.

2. By filing this writ petition, the petitioners have prayed for setting aside the Office Order dated 13.08.2021 (Annexure - 7) and for a direction to the respondent authorities concerned to pay them compensation for their acquired land as per the assessment made by the Competent Authority For Land Acquisition (CALA) on 17.04.2021 (Enclosure to Annexure - 6).

3. It is the case of the petitioners that the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India decided to undertake the work of building (widening/two lane with paved shoulder/four laning etc), maintenance, management and operation of NH-6 (NH-53) in the stretch of land from Km 15 - Km 30.05 and Km 30.05 - Km 50.36 which is within the jurisdiction of the Deputy Commissioner, Saitual, Mizoram. The respondent No. 1 appointed the respondent No. 6 as CALA under Section 3(a) of the National Highways Act, 1956 (National Highways Act) to perform the funct