Ensure Encumbrance-Free Delivery Of Land's Possession To NHAI: Punjab & Haryana High Court Tells Punjab Govt

The Punjab & Haryana High Court has asked the Punjab Government to handover the encumbrance free possession of National Highways Authority of India for for national highway projects, including the Delhi-Katra Expressway.

Justice Sureshwar Thakur and Justice Kuldeep Tiwari while noting the affidavits were filed by several Deputy Commissioners concerned along with the Senior Superintendents of Police of various Punjab's district said, "the all concerned, are directed to ensure that encumbrances free delivery of possession of the relevant tract(s) of land(s) becomes made to the NHAI, so that thereovers expeditious execution of works becomes undertaken."

"Moreover, the further impediments which require immediate action on the part of the NHAI Authorities, through theirs makings motions, before the courts of law, be also expeditiously initiated, so that on or before the subsequent date of hearing, the status report in the said regard becomes instituted before this Court," it added.

Last year in December, the High Court had issued a slew of directions to the Punjab Government authorities in a plea filed by NHAI alleging that the state authorities are not passing land acquisition compensation and also failed to provide police assistance in compliance of High Court's directions.

Previously also the Court on several occasions had asked the Government to "to ensure the encumbrance-free possession of land", observing that project of national importance should not be halted due to lackadaisical approach of authorities.

In the present hearing, the Court took note of the reply filed by several Deputy Commissioners and also recorded the time-line sought to remove the hindrances.

Earlier the Court had directed the district administration, Commissioners of Police of the concerned police district to ensure that all logistical support is provided so that there is ease of executing the ongoing works, which are of "national importance and which would pave way for improving" Punjab's economy.

The matter is listed for May 05, for further consideration.

Mr. Chetan Mittal, Senior Advocate assisted by Mr. R.S. Madaan, Advocate

Mr. Mayank Aggarwal, Advocate and Mr. Mahender Joshi, Advocate for the applicant/NHAI.

Mr. C.S. Bagri, Advocate and Dr. Gurjit Kaur Jassar Bagri, Advocate for the applicants in (CM-5185-CWP-2025).

Mr. Maninder Singh, Sr. DAG, Punjab.

Title: NATIONAL HIGHWAY AUTHORITY OF INDIA AND ANR. VS. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

Click here to read/download the order