S.Augustin Raja, v. The Commissioner for Land Administration
Case brief
What is this about?
Common order of the Madras High Court dated 01-04-2026 (Krishnan Ramasamy J.) disposing W.P.Nos.23143 and 23149 of 2019. Petitioners (11): S.Augustin Raja, Joseph Rajkumar; S.J.Kirubakaran, Nedumaran, Sathyanathan, Inbanathan, Sarguna Rani, Inba Rani, Prema, Pelisa Rosalin, Aaron Frankilin — counsel Mr.V.Prakash Babu (both writs). Respondents: Commissioner for Land Administration (Ezhilagam, Chennai), District Collector and District Revenue Officer, Tiruvannamalai — counsel Mr.C.Gowthamaraj, Government Advocate (both writs). Subject: non-deposit of balance land-acquisition award amounts in L.A.O.P.No.63 of 1988 (Principal Subordinate Court, Tiruvannamalai) — award of 27.06.2007 for Rs.14.01.890/- and Rs.20,02,533/- with 30% solatium and 9% interest; Revenue Divisional Officer deposited only 40%; balances of Rs.18,89,966/- and Rs.26,71,459/- (as on 26.11.2012) pressed via representations dated 03.07.2018 and 15.07.2018; respondents attributed non-release to code of conduct and indicated disbursal within eight weeks. Outcome: petitions disposed of; Court directed disbursal of the balance 60% of the Award amount with interest within twelve weeks of receipt of the order; no costs. Key terms: Article 226 mandamus; award deposit arrears; balance 60%; twelve weeks; solatium; L.A.O.P.No.63 of 1988.