Justus .G.Y v. The District Collector
Case brief
What is this about?
Writ of mandamus refused; District Collector cannot modify his own arbitral award on land-acquisition compensation; remedy lies under Section 34 and Section 37 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 before the competent civil court and High Court; petitioner G.Y.Justus, land Re.Sy.No.689/12, Vadasery Village, Kanyakumari District; acquisition for NHAI national highway project; appeal dated 30.06.2018, reminder dated 05.08.2020; writ petition (Article 226, Constitution of India) dismissed without costs by K. Surender, J., Madras High Court (Madurai Bench), 04.02.2026.
What did the court decide?
Once the District Collector has passed an arbitral award, he has no jurisdiction to change his own arbitral award; therefore, the question of considering the petitioner's representation seeking enhancement does not arise, notwithstanding the petitioner's submission that a representation having been made, the first respondent is bound to dispose of it.