Indrapadi Devi Wife of Ajay Saw Vs Union of India and Ors (Patna High Court)
The Patna High Court addressed a petition filed by Indrapadi Devi concerning the acquisition of her land for the widening of National Highway-28. The petitioner’s grievance was that her land, which she claimed was commercial, was classified as agricultural during the acquisition process. This resulted in her receiving a lower compensation amount than what she believed was due. She also stated that income tax was deducted from the compensation amount, which she believed was illegal. The petitioner was seeking compensation at the commercial rate, along with a refund of the deducted income tax.
The court heard arguments from both the petitioner’s and the State’s counsels. The State’s counsel confirmed that the compensation award was prepared based on the land being agricultural and that the petitioner had already accepted the payment. The court, without issuing a direct order on the compensation amount, advised the petitioner to approach the Divisional Commissioner, Magadh Division, Gaya, to resolve the matter. The court expressed the expectation that the Divisional Commissioner would bring the case to a logical conclusion in a timely manner after hearing all involved parties. This directive allows the petitioner to continue her claim through the appropriate administrative channel. The court did not reference any judicial precedents in this particular order.
