Nagalingam v. The Competent Authority and District Collector,

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 3rd respondent to consider the Arbitration Petition filed by the petitioner dated 04.05.2026.

¶2The case of the petitioner is that he is the owner of land comprised in Survey No.361/2B situated at Ammoor Village, Walaja Taluk, Ranipet District. The petitioner's land was subsequently acquired for the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway Project under the National Highways Act, 1956. Thereafter, an award dated 30.05.2022 was passed. Aggrieved by the inadequate compensation awarded, the petitioner filed an Arbitration Petition under Section 3G(5) of the National Highways Act, 1956, on 04.05.2026 before the third respondent seeking enhancement of compensation. As the said petition has not been considered till date, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition seeking a Page3 of 5 direction to the third respondent to consider the said petition and pass appropriate orders within a stipulated time after affording an opportunity of hearing.

¶3In response, Mr.C.Prabakaran, learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents, submitted that the Arbitration Petition filed by the petitioner dated 04.05.2026 would be considered by the 1st respondent, who is the competent authority, and appropriate orders would be passed thereon, on merits within a period of twelve (12) weeks, after issuing notice to the petitioner and affording him an opportunity of personal hearing.

¶4Considering the facts and circumstances of the case and the submissions made on either side, this Court, without going into the merits of the matter, directs the 1st respondent to consider the petitioner's Arbitration Petition dated 04.05.2026. The 1st respondent shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of twelve (12) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, after issuing notice to the petitioner and affording him an opportunity of a personal hearing as contended by the learned Government Counsel. Page4 of 5

¶5With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 22-07-2026 Asi To

¶1The Competent Authority And District Collector, National Highways (Bangalore-Chennai Expressway), Ranipet District.

¶2The Competent Authority and Special District Revenue Officer (Land Acquisition) National Highways (Bangalore-Chennai Expressway), Ranipet District.

¶3The Special Tahsildar Arbitrator, District Collector Officer Building, Ranipet District. WPoNo.o28324oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMY,oJ. Asi WPoNo.o28324oofo2026 22-07-2026 Page5oofo5

Page1 of 5 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 22-07-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY Nagalingam S/o.Mani, No.20(1), School Street, Ammoor, Ranipet District - 632501. ..Petitioner(s) Vs 1. The cOmpetent Authority And District Collector, National Highways (Bangalore- Chennai Expressway), Ranipet District. 2. The Competent Authority And Special District Revenue Officer (Land Acquisition) National Highways (Bangalore-Chennai Expressway), Ranipet District. 3. The Special Tahsildar Arbitrator, District Collector Officer Building, Ranipet District. ..Respondent(s) PRAYER: The Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the third respondent to consider and dispose of the arbitration proceedings filed by the petitioner under section 3G(5) of the national highways act, 1956, challenging the award in RC.No.3/2016/BCE/NH dated 30.05.2022 relating to the acquisition of the Page2 of 5 petitioners land comprised in survey no.361/2B, Ammoor village, walaja taluk, Ranipet District, after affording an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner and all necessary parties in accordance with law within such time as may be stipulated by this Court. For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Dinesh Babu for Mr.Sunil Kumar R For Respondent(s): Mr.B.Pachaiyappan, Government Counsel