Jaswinder Singh And Others vs State Of Punjab And Others

Harkesh Manuja, J

The petitioners, by way of present writ petition, seek issuance of directions to respondent No. 2 [Sub Divisional Magistrate-cum-Competent Authority (Land Acquisition), Dhuri, District Sangrur (Punjab)] for releasing the compensation amount of the acquired land which has been withheld during the pendency of Reference Case No. LAC No. 28 of 2022, titled “Jagsir Singh Versus Rajveer Singh etc.”, pending before the Court of learned Additional District Judge, Sangrur.

[2] This Court on 22.01.2026, while issuing notice of motion, passed the following order:-

“ Learned counsel for the petitioners inter alia submits that the objections filed on behalf of some of the objector stands withdrawn. The objections by Malkit Kaur and Surjeet Kaur for the compensation payable to Sharanjeet Kaur only remain pending. Learned counsel further contends that the share of Sharanjeet Kaur in the amount of compensation is merely Rs.38,22,920/-, whereas the total payable amount is Rs.4,95,55,535/- and, thus in such circumstances the entire amount cannot be withheld by the respondents as the same needs to be released to the petitioners.

Notice of motion.

On asking of the Court, Mr. Athar Ahmed, DAG, Punjab and Mr. Rishi Kaushal, Advocate accept notice on behalf of respondent Nos.1 to 3 and 4 respectively. They pray for some time to file response.

List on 05.02.2026.

To be shown in the urgent cause list, henceforth.”

[3] In response, today reply dated 11.02.2026 filed on behalf of respondent No. 4-NHAI, is taken on record. Copy thereof be supplied to the opposite side. Registry to tag/paginate the same at appropriate place in the paper-book.

[4] Learned counsel for the petitioners submits that despite the fact that all other objections stand withdrawn except one preferred by Smt. Sharanjeet Kaur; relating to her share to an extent of Rs. 38,22,920/-; the undisputed amount has not been released in favour of the petitioners-landowners despite a specific application dated 01.05.2023 (Annexure P-5) having been made in this regard by them before the learned Reference Court which is pending consideration for the past more than two and half years.

[5] After hearing learned counsel for the parties and having gone through the paper-book/reply, in the humble opinion of this Court, the learned Additional District Judge, Sangrur-cum-Reference Court dealing with the application under Section 3H(4) of the National Highways Act, 1956 is requested to expedite the disposal of the aforesaid application dated 01.05.2023 and in case the objections regarding apportionment except those preferred at the instance of Smt. Sharanjeet Kaur have been withdrawn, the amount of compensation be disbursed proportionately to the remaining co-sharers / petitioners / landowners, preferably within two months from the next date of hearing fixed before the learned Reference Court.

[6] Disposed of accordingly.

[7] Pending miscellaneous application(s), if any, shall also stand disposed off.