A Division Bench of the Patna High Court held that a 2018 notification appointing Divisional Commissioners as arbitrators under the National Highways Act operates prospectively and does not affect pending arbitrations, but set aside an award on Gaya land acquired for NH-82 and ordered compensation reassessed with solatium and interest under the 1894 Act.
The Patna High Court has disposed of a writ petition by a Gaya PDS dealer whose licence was ceased by the Sub-Divisional Officer, directing her to file a complaint before the Divisional Commissioner under Rule 5(iv) of the Bihar Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, with the delay to be liberally condoned and a reasoned order to follow within three months.
The Patna High Court’s judgment declares the Vishnupad Temple as a public religious trust, settling a longstanding dispute over its ownership by refuting the claims of the Gayawal Brahmins. This decision preserves the temple’s historical and cultural significance, ensuring accessibility for all devotees.
