Authority: High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi
Order Date: 28.10.2026
Case Overview
- Petitioners: Bindu Yadav, Jatun Yadav, Mahendra Yadav (sons of Late Babuni Yadav) and Prabha Devi (wife of Late Indu Yadav), residents of various villages in Chatra and Ramgarh districts, Jharkhand.
- Respondents: The State of Jharkhand; Deputy Commissioner, Chatra; Additional Collector, Chatra; District Land Acquisition Officer, Chatra; Project Director, National Highway Authority of India, Hazaribag.
- The writ petition seeks direction for the respondents to pay appropriate compensation for the acquisition of the petitioners' land (Plot No.525, Khata No.73), an area of 3 acres located at village‑Barahpur, Circle Hunterganj, District‑Chatra, under the Bharat Mala Project. The petitioners assert that although the land is classified as ‘Gair Mazarua Khas land’, they possess lawful right and title over it.
- Counsel for the State, Mrs. Rukmini Kumari (A.C. to S.C. (Mines)‑III), argued that the claim should first be considered by the competent authority, i.e., the District Land Acquisition Officer, Chatra (Respondent No.4). She suggested that the petitioners may prefer to make a fresh representation before that officer for an informed decision.
- The Court, after hearing counsel for both sides, decided not to adjudicate the merits of the petitioners’ claim.
Final Outcome
- The petitioners are granted liberty to prefer a fresh representation on the land‑acquisition issue before the District Land Acquisition Officer, Chatra (Respondent No.4).
- Upon receipt of the representation, the District Land Acquisition Officer shall examine the relevant records, provide an opportunity of hearing to the petitioners or their representatives, and render an informed decision in accordance with law within three months from the date of filing the representation.
- The writ petition is disposed with the above liberty and direction.
Topics: Land Acquisition, Infrastructure Compensation