Shahul Hameed Nachiyal vs The District Collector, Karaikal

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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 14296

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, J
Shahul Hameed Nachiyal – Appellant
Versus
The District Collector, Karaikal – Respondent
Writ Petition No. 226 of 2026

Important Points

Timely processing of compensation applications under land acquisition laws is essential for fulfilling the rights of property owners.

Subject

Administrative Law - Land Acquisition

Act Referred

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013: S.64

Headnote

The petitioner filed a writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution for a writ of mandamus, seeking a timely consideration of the application for enhanced compensation related to acquired land, citing a delay. The Court directed the first respondent to dispose of the application as per law within three months from receipt of the order copy. The fundamental issue was concerning the timely processing of a compensation application under Section 64 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The verdict concluded that the application would be addressed as stipulated in the order, ensuring no costs were awarded.

Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: Ms.Sarada M.Ajith for Mr.T.Sai Krishnan
For the Respondents: Mr.V.Vasanthakumar, Additional Government Pleader (Puducherry)

Table of Content
1. right to timely compensation application processing. (Para 1)
2. court mandated compliance with legal obligations. (Para 2)
3. final court direction on application disposal. (Para 3)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 24.02.2026 CORAM THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE SENTHILKUMAR RAMAMOORTHY Shahul Hameed Nachiyal .. Petitioner vs

1.The District Collector, Karaikal.

2.The Deputy Collector cum Land Acquisition Officer, DCR Office, Karaikal. .. Respondents Petition filed under Article 226 of The Constitution of India praying for the issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents to consider the application dated 10.10.2025 submitted by the petitioner and to make a reference under Section 64 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 to the District Court, Karaikal for determining the correct amount of compensation for the petitioner’s land that have been acquired within a time frame as may be fixed by this Court.

For Petitioner : Ms.Sarada M.Ajith for Mr.T.Sai Krishnan For Respondents : Mr.V.Vasanthakumar, Additional Government Pleader (Puducherry)

ORDER

Asserting that the award in respect of acquisition of the petitioner’s land was received only in 2025, the petitioner had applied for a reference relating to enhanced compensation. Contending that such application has not been disposed of till date, the present writ petition has been filed.

2. Mr.V.Vasanthakumar, learned Additional Government Pleader, accepts notice for both the respondents. He submits that the application would be considered and disposed of in accordance with law within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

3. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of by directing the first respondent to consider and dispose of the petitioner’s application for a reference in accordance with law within three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs.