B.Charles v. The District Collector

ORDER The present Writ Petition has been filed seeking the issuance of a Writ of Mandamus directing the 1st respondent to consider the Arbitration Petition filed by the petitioner dated 21.02.2026.

¶2The case of the petitioner is that he a farm plot bearing No. 316, measuring 74 sq.mtrs., in S.No.112/2, Nandhimedu Village, Sriperumbudur Taluk, Kancheepuram District, under a registered Sale Deed dated 06.05.2002. The petitioner's land was subsequently acquired for the Bangalore–Chennai Expressway project under the National Highways Act, 1956, without issuance of any notice to him. Thereafter, an award dated 06.05.2025 was passed unilaterally, and a copy of the award was obtained by the petitioner only through an application under the Right to Information Act. Aggrieved by the inadequate compensation awarded, the petitioner filed an Arbitration Petition under Section 3G(5) of the National Highways Act, 1956, on 21.02.2026 before the first respondent seeking enhancement of compensation. As the said petition has not been considered despite the lapse of several months, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition seeking a direction to the first respondent to consider the said petition and pass appropriate orders within a stipulated time after affording an opportunity of hearing. Page3 of 5

¶3In response, Mr.C.Prabakaran, learned Government Counsel appearing for the respondents, submitted that the Arbitration Petition filed by the petitioner dated 21.02.2026 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 eight (8) weeks, after issuing notice to the petitioner and affording 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 21.02.2026. The 1st respondent shall pass appropriate orders on merits and in accordance with law within a period of eight (8) 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.

¶5With the above directions, this Writ Petition stands disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. 22-07-2026 Asi Page4 of 5 To.

¶1The District Collector Kancheepuram District and Arbitrator under the National Highways Act 1956, Kancheepuram.

¶2The Special District Revenue officer Land Acquisition, National Highways Kancheepuram district Kancheepuram WPoNo.o28354oofo2026 KRISHNANoRAMASAMY,oJ. Asi WPoNo.o28354oofo2026 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 B.Charles S/o. Balaraman, No. 47 Subbaiah Gounder Street, Veerakeralam, Vadavalli, Coimbatore 641 041 ..Petitioner Vs 1. The District Collector Kancheepuram district and Arbitrator under the National Highways Act 1956, Kancheepuram. 2. The Special District Revenue officer Land Acquisition, National Highways Kancheepuram District Kancheepuram ..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 1st respondent to dispose of the petition dated 21.02.2026 filed by the petitioner under Sec. 3G (5) of the National Highways Act 1956 with in a time frame after affording an opportunity of personal hearing. For Petitioner(s): Mr.R.Asokan For Respondent(s): Mr.C.Prabakaran, Government Counsel Page2 of 5