In a recent court decision, Yashwant Changu Bhagat, a 70-year-old from Nandgaon, Panvel, has seen a significant victory regarding the payment for his land taken by the State of Maharashtra for the New Bombay Project.
Back in 1970, the Maharashtra government took land from 96 villages, including Bhagat's, for the New Bombay Project. Bhagat's land in Karanjade was initially paid for at a very low rate, which he challenged over the years.
After the land was taken, Bhagat was given a payment of Rs.54,312.45. Unhappy with this, he asked for a review based on a similar case where the payment was increased to Rs.15 per square meter. Despite this, he was given only a slightly higher amount, leading to more legal action.
Bhagat's case was presented before the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Panvel. He argued for a rate of Rs.30 per square meter, supported by his witness, a land expert named Mr. Vikrant Vaidya. The State, however, disagreed with this claim. Eventually, the court partly agreed with him, increasing the rate to Rs.18 per square meter.
"Increased rate of Rs.18/- per sq.mtr. along with 12% interest and 30% additional amount."
Not giving up, Bhagat appealed for a rate of Rs.25 per square meter, citing examples from nearby villages where the Supreme Court had set this rate. His lawyer, Mr. Sachin S. Punde, highlighted the closeness and similarity of the lands.
Judge Rajesh S. Patil agreed with Bhagat, recognizing the fairness in matching the Rs.25 per square meter rate given to nearby lands. The decision included legal benefits and ordered the State to adjust the payment accordingly.
"The total market value of the taken land is fixed at Rs.25/- per sq.mtr."
The court ruled that Bhagat should be paid Rs.25 per square meter for his land, similar to what was given for nearby lands. The State must update the payment within three months.
