Anand Das vs Union Of India And Ors

Prashant Kumar Mishra, J

Since the matter is stated to be covered by the order passed by this Court in the matter of Neera Bai vs Union of India and others and other connected matters, the office objection is overruled.

There is no dispute that the petitioner's lands have been acquired for the benefit of SECL under the provisions of the Coal Bearing Area (Acquisition & Development) Act, 1957 (for short 'the Act'). The dispute which subsists between the parties is in respect of adequacy of compensation and the interest payable on the amount of compensation. The second contest between the parties is about application of rehabilitation policy from the date on which the land was acquired or under the new policy which came into effect in the year 2012.

Learned counsel for the petitioner would submit that the issue concerning applicability of Resettlement and Rehabilitation Policy is governed by the order passed by this Court in the matter of Ku. Rattho Bai & Another Vs. South Eastern Coalfields Limited & Others {(WPS No.432/2011, decided on 23.7.2015}, while the same is disputed by the respondents.

Insofar as the issue concerning adequacy of compensation and payment of interest is concerned, the petitioners have remedy of moving before the Tribunal constituted under Section 14 of the Act.

Let the petitioner move before the Tribunal within a period of one month from today. On such application for grant of adequate compensation, the claim of the petitioners shall be decided on merits without raising plea of limitation.

For other relief in respect of applicability of rehabilitation policy and grant of employment under the said policy to a member of the petitioner's family or his dependents, the petitioner may move fresh representation before the respondent/SECL within a period of one month, who in turn, shall decide the same, in accordance with law within a period of 3 months thereafter. The representation shall be decided by a reasoned order expressly dealing with the issue as to whether the order passed by this Court in Ku. Rattho Bai (referred to above) is applicable or not.

The writ petition stands disposed of in the above stated terms.