The Supreme Court rebuked Maharashtra officials for failing to disburse over Rs 1.49 crore compensation to Jambhalkhori Borphadi villagers, whose land was acquired in 2005. The court set a January 31, 2025 deadline for payment, warning of contempt proceedings. Accountability measures were mandated for responsible officials, highlighting systemic neglect in compensation.
New Delhi: In a strong rebuke to Maharashtra government officials, the Supreme Court on Monday called the non-payment of compensation to villagers for their acquired land a “classic case” of state authorities failing in their duty. The apex court directed the government to disburse the pending funds by January 31, 2025, or face contempt proceedings.
The case involves the acquisition of land from villagers in Jambhalkhori Borphadi, Beed district, in 2005 for constructing a water tank under the Employees Guarantee Scheme. Despite orders mandating a payment of over Rs 1.49 crore, the villagers have yet to receive their compensation.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh expressed disappointment at the state’s conduct, stating,
“This is a classic case where authorities of Maharashtra government denied the compensation to the people whose land was compulsorily acquired.”
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The court ordered Maharashtra’s chief secretary, principal secretary (finance), and principal secretary (panchayat and rural development) to resolve the matter within one week. It directed the release of compensation, including interest and exemplary costs, to the villagers.
The Beed district collector was appointed as the nodal officer to ensure timely payment and compliance reports to the Bombay High Court. The chief secretary was also instructed to determine accountability and take action against the officials responsible for the delay.
If the directives are not followed by January 31, the registrar general of the Bombay High Court will initiate suo motu contempt proceedings against the concerned officers. Additionally, the ₹1 lakh cost imposed by the high court must be recovered personally from the responsible officials.
On November 18, 2024, the Bombay High Court dismissed the zila parishad’s plea, emphasizing that funds were available for various state schemes but not for compensating landowners. It noted that despite 19 years passing since the acquisition, the authorities failed to comply with the compensation orders.
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