The court requires timely administrative response to compensation applications under the National Highways Act, emphasizing the need for stakeholder hearings.

JUDGMENT

A portion of the petitioner’s land having an extent of 20.61 ares has been acquired by the 1^st respondent National Highway Authority of India. An award was passed vide Ext.P1. In respect of another portion of land acquired, an award was passed vide Ext.P3. Dissatisfied with the compensation amount vide Exts.P1 and P3, the petitioner preferred Exts.P2 and P4 applications for re- determination of the compensation under Section 3G (5), (6) and (7) of the National Highways Act . The same is pending, without any action, for the past fifteen months, is the short grievance.

2. Having heard the learned counsel for the petitioner, the learned Government Pleader and the learned Standing Counsel, this Court directs the 2^nd respondent to consider and pass orders in Exts.P2 and P4 applications, preferred by the petitioner seeking re-determination of compensation, in accordance with law, expeditiously, at any rate, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment. The petitioner will produce a copy of this judgment before the 2^nd respondent for compliance. Needless to say, that the petitioner, as also, any other affected party shall be afforded an opportunity of being heard before taking a call in Exts.P2 and P4.

This Writ Petition is disposed of as above.

Sd/-