IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 08-01-2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY WP No. 14899 of 2025 &

WMP Nos.16796, 16798 & 16799 of 2025 Putamma W/o. Chinnappa Door.No.109/2, Near Kurupatti Bus Stop, Mathagiri Post, Onnalvaadi Village, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District 635 109.

Petitioner(s)

Vs

1. The Arbitrator Cum District Collector, Collectorate Office, Krishnagiri District

2. Competent Authority/Special District Revenue Officer-Land Acquisition National Highways-844 (Hosur-

Royakottai-Dharmapuri Section), Krishnagiri District.

3. The Project Director (NH 844)

National Highways Authority of India PIU-Krishnagiri, 259/1, Salem Main Road, Near KAKC Petrol Bunk, 4. The Executive Engineer, Construction and Maintenance, Public Works Department Respondent(s)

PRAYER: This writ petition has been filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the 2nd respondent to pay 12 percent interest on the additional market value for the structure and other amenities available in land measuring 232 sq. mtrs., comprised in S.No.880/2A2B, situated at Onalvaadi Village, Hosur Taluk, Krishnagiri District and pay the enhanced compensation by disposing of the petitioner’s representation dated 15.04.2025 in the light of the order passed by this Honble court in WP.No.35385 of 2023.

For Petitioner(s):

Mrs.Dhakshayini Reddy, Senior Counsel for Mr.R.Ramesh Raja For Respondent(s): Mr.P.Sathish, AGP for R1, R2&R4 Mrs. S.R.Sumathy For R3 (NHAI)

ORDER

The petitioner seeks a direction for the payment of 12% interest on the additional market value for the structure and other amenities pertaining to the land concerned.

2. At the previous hearing, learned counsel for the respondents were directed to ascertain and report whether a copy of the arbitral award was served on the petitioner. At today’s hearing, learned counsel for the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has submitted documents evidencing proof of despatch of the arbitral award. Learned Additional Government Pleader is present and admits that there is no proof of receipt of the arbitral award by the petitioner.

3. Learned senior counsel for the petitioner submits as follows:

(i) An order of status-quo was issued by this Court on 25.04.2025.

(ii) The despatch register indicates that the award was despatched shortly before the status-quo order was issued.

(iii) This Court was not informed that awards had been pronounced in these matters and the respondents are endeavouring to render this writ petition infructuous.

4. By referring to the award filed in W.P.No.24007 of 2025 by counsel for NHAI, learned senior counsel submits that it records that the inquiry was conducted on 09.01.2025, whereas an inspection report subsequent thereto has been relied upon in breach of principles of natural justice and the requirements of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

5. Learned senior counsel also submits that the 12% interest applicable to land should also apply in respect of buildings and structures or, in the alternative, the value of buildings and structures should be determined as on the date of inspection.

6. Learned standing counsel for the NHAI responded to these contentions by submitting that the order of status-quo was directed at preventing the demolition of the structure and not directed at preventing the passing of an arbitral award. She also submits that the petitioner is in a position to challenge the arbitral award before the jurisdictional District Court and that any extension of the status-quo order would cause great hardship to the NHAI since project implementation has been stalled.

7. Learned Additional Government Pleader submits that a copy of the original award would be handed over to the petitioner within one week if the petitioner visits the office of the District Collector. He also submits that the award would be handed over in person and that an acknowledgment would be taken.

8. Under the Arbitration and Conc