Authority: High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong
Order Date: 21 September 2026
Case Overview
- Petitioner: Smti. Gangget R. Sangma, wife of the late Ringgan Marak, resident of Torangpara, P.O. Kawahagra, South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, represented by attorney Smti. Marchida R. Marak.
- Respondents:
1. State of Meghalaya (Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary, Joint Secretary, Deputy Commissioner/District Collector of South West Garo Hills);
2. Union of India (Home Secretary, Joint Secretary – Border Management Department, Secretary General – Border Management Department);
3. NBCC (India) Limited (Chief General Manager, Deputy General Manager).
- Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition seeking a direction for payment of compensation for land acquired for the construction of the Indo‑Bangladesh Border Fencing.
- Legal Basis: Acquisition carried out under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
- Background: Land parcels in South West Garo Hills were acquired in 2017‑2018. A draft award was prepared by the Collector and approved by the Joint Secretary on 04‑09‑2018. Despite this, the petitioner alleges that no compensation has been released to the genuine landowner, even after numerous representations and several interim orders by the Court.
- Contentions: The petitioner contends that the delay violates statutory provisions. The Union and State respondents argue that confusion regarding the final draft award amount has impeded payment, citing communications between State and Union officials.
Final Outcome
- The Court held that the respondents’ explanation does not excuse the delay and directed the Union and State authorities to settle the confusion regarding the draft award and to disburse the compensation amount to the petitioner within three (3) months from the date of this order.
- The writ petition is hereby disposed of.
Topics: Land Acquisition, Compensation