NH development: High Court warns government against acquiring Harrison's land disregarding rules

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has warned the state government against acquiring the land of Harrison Plantation without following existing national highway and land acquisition laws,  Justice A. Mohammed Mushtaq issued an interim order after hearing both the government and the petitioner, Harrison Plantations.

The government pointed out the imperativeness of road development and the petitioner argued that they will release land if they are compensated suitably.  Government did not accept the condition put forward by Harrison Malayalam.  On this basis,  the bench confirmed the interim order.

The court specified that the interim order, however, does not deprive the  government  of its right to evacuate the land.  It should approach civil courts to establish the ownership of the land.

Harrison Plantation approached the court alleging that National Highway Authority is trying to acquire the land and start construction works, regardless of the existing guideliness.

The High Court had earlier stayed acquisition of land without following  due procedures. When the court considered the plea yesterday, the Government Pleader submitted that Public Works Department would deposit the amount with any authority constituted by the court. However, the petitioner did not agree to the condition.

The court made it clear that the government cannot acquire the land in the possession of Harrison without implementing Land Acquisition Act or National Highway Act 1956.