Court Rejects Farmers’ Claim of Rs 3.5 Lakh Rate, Declines Relief in 2003 Acquisition Dispute

Ganderbal, April 27, KNT: A court in Ganderbal has upheld the compensation awarded for land acquired in Safapora during 2002–2003, rejecting claims by landowners who had sought a substantial increase in the payout.

The dispute centered on compensation fixed at around ₹90,000 per kanal by the authorities, which the petitioners challenged as inadequate, arguing that the actual market value at the time ranged between ₹3.5 lakh and ₹4.5 lakh per kanal.

The petitioners also alleged that proper notice was not served before acquisition and sought not only enhanced compensation but also government employment for one member of each affected family.

The court, however, found that the petitioners failed to substantiate their claims regarding higher market rates with reliable and consistent evidence. While sale deeds and references were placed on record, the court noted discrepancies and lack of conclusive proof to justify enhancement over the official award.

It further observed that the compensation had been determined by the Collector based on available data, including previous awards and official inputs regarding prevailing rates in the area.

On the issue of procedure, the court held that objections were either not filed within the stipulated time or not pursued under the appropriate legal provisions, weakening the petitioners’ case for reassessment.

The court also rejected the claim of a promised government job, noting that no documentary evidence was presented to support such an assurance.

In view of these findings, the court declined to interfere with the original compensation, effectively upholding the award fixed by the Collector for the acquired land.

The case, spanning over two decades, highlights longstanding disputes over land valuation and procedural compliance in acquisition matters in the region. [KNT]