Let's dive into a recent court case from Madras involving a land compensation dispute. Here's what happened.
On December 4, 2025, the High Court of Judicature at Madras, with Judge Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy in charge, made a decision in a case involving B. Vaanazhagan, a resident of Chengalpattu Taluk. He filed a request against the District Collector of Kancheepuram and other officials about land compensation.
B. Vaanazhagan's land in Padur Village was taken under the Tamil Nadu Highways Act, 2001. The compensation was first decided on February 10, 2017. B. Vaanazhagan wanted a higher amount, claiming the compensation was not enough.
On October 24, 2025, B. Vaanazhagan sent a detailed request for a new look at the compensation. He argued that there were no other legal options available, making him go to court.
"The petitioner has approached this Court as no other alternative remedy is available."
The Additional Government Lawyer, Mr. Vadivelu Deenadayalan, represented the District Collector. He pointed out that B. Vaanazhagan could have asked for a review under Section 20 of the Highways Act within 60 days of the Collector's decision. However, this period had long passed.
The court noted that the compensation amount was decided as Rs. 87,86,702 on August 10, 2024. Even if the date of payment was considered as June 18, 2025, the time to ask for a review had passed.
"The time limit for seeking a reference under Section 20 of the Highways Act has long expired."
Judge Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy dismissed the request, stating that the request could not be considered because the time limit had expired. The case was closed with no order about costs.
This case shows the importance of following legal deadlines when seeking solutions in land acquisition matters.
