SC demands Maharashtra Authorities to pay Land Compensation by January 31

The Supreme Court on Monday warned the Maharashtra government officials to disburse funds by January 31 or face contempt action, referring to it as a "classic case" of the state authorities not compensating villagers after acquiring their land.

The case concerned land that was purchased from the Jambhalkhori Borphadi villagers in the Beed district of Maharashtra in 2005 for the purpose of building a water tank through the Employees Guarantee Scheme. The bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh was conducting the case.

"This is a classic case where authorities of Maharashtra government denied the compensation to the people whose land was compulsorily acquired," the court stated.

It was revealed that the villagers who had been wronged by the orders for the payment of more than Rs. 1.49 crore had not received any compensation, even after they had become final.

"We are completely disappointed to see the manner in which the state authorities have conducted themselves in this case," the highest court stated.

The apex court declined to comment further on the matter, stating that it had taken a lenient stance and had not heard the erring officials or issued a notice on the plea filed on behalf of the zila parishad of Beed district.

Nonetheless, the court issued a number of directives, directing the state's principal secretaries for panchayat and rural development, finance, and chief secretary to take cognizance of the case within a week.

"Issue necessary sanction for the release of compensation amount to the respondents (villagers) along with the interests till date as also exemplary cost that may be determined by the reference court," it ruled.