The Court made the following judgment: (Per Hon’ble Sri Justice R Raghunandan Rao)

A Notification, under Section 3A of the National Highways Act, 1956 (for short “the NH Act”), for acquisition of land belonging to the respondents herein, for the purpose of construction of a flyover on National Highway No.16/216A, in Tetali Village, Tanuku Mandal, West Godavari District was issued on 21.05.2018. The total extent of land that was proposed to be acquired, from the respondents was set out in the said notification. Thereafter, a notification was issued under Section 3D of the NH Act, on 26.08.2018 confirming that the extent of land mentioned in the 3A notification, dated 21.05.2018 was acquired.

2. At that stage, the appellant, which is the National Highway authority, took a decision to reduce ROW (Right of way) of 60 meters which was originally proposed to a ROW of 40 meters. On this basis, the appellant issued a notification under 3G(3) of the NH Act, on 13.06.2023 for reducing the extent of land that is sought to be acquired. Aggrieved by the said notification, dated 13.06.2023, the respondents approached this Court, by way W.P.No.25901 of 2023. During the pendency of this writ petitio