Imam Uddin v. the Union of India and 5 Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Gauhati High Court, W.P.(C)/4447/2025 (neutral citation 2025:GAU-AS:10449), decided 08.08.2025 by Justice N. Unni Krishnan Nair. Land acquisition compensation adequacy; NHIDCL acquisition of three parcels (commercial and homestead) in Hailakandi, Assam for National Highway expansion under the National Highways Act, 1956; allegation of undervaluation contrary to the National Highways Act, 1956 and the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013; pending representation dated 24.01.2025 for enhancement; statutory remedy via competent authority and reference to Arbitrator under Section 3(G)(5) of the National Highways Act, 1956; writ petition disposed at motion stage with 20-day referral direction to Central Government-appointed Arbitrator.
What did the court decide?
Liberty to the petitioner to submit a fresh application before the competent authority seeking reference to the Arbitrator under Section 3(G)(5) of the National Highways Act, 1956; direction that, on submission of such application, the competent authority refer it to the Arbitrator appointed by the Central Government forthwith, not later than 20 days from the date of submission.