Here's the scoop: A group of farmers, including Bappasaheb Pandurang Salunke, took the Power Grid Corporation of India to court because they claimed the company damaged their land. The court decided on the compensation, and the farmers weren't happy, so they tried to appeal. But here's the catch: the appeals were not allowed. Let's break it down.
Each farmer, including Bappasaheb Pandurang Salunke, claimed that their farmland and crops were damaged by Power Grid Corporation's actions. They filed lawsuits under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, asking for compensation.
"The actions of the company caused damage to the farmland and crops."
The District Judge-11 in Aurangabad heard the cases and decided that the Power Grid Corporation should pay compensation to the farmers. For most cases, the amount was Rs. 2,232 with 6% interest per year. In one case, it was Rs. 7,900.
The farmers, not satisfied with the compensation, took their cases to the High Court, hoping for a better deal. Their lawyer, Mr. K. D. Jadhav, argued that the appeals were valid under the rules of the Civil Procedure Code.
"The appeals are correctly filed under the rules of the Civil Procedure Code."
Power Grid's lawyer, Mr. Girish Rane, countered that the District Court's decision was final according to the Telegraph Act. The High Court agreed, saying the law clearly states that decisions under this act can't be appealed.
The Supreme Court had previously pointed out that there’s no clear way for appeals in such cases. They suggested that the Law Commission and the government should consider creating an appeal process for these situations.
Judge Ajit B. Kadethankar ruled that the appeals couldn't go forward. However, he allowed the farmers to take their cases to a different court if they wished.
"The appeals are returned to the appellants under the rules of the Civil Procedure Code."
The farmers can still pursue their claims by presenting them in the correct legal format and forum. The court's decision leaves the door open for further action, just not through an appeal.
