Tripura High Court
The Deputy Chief Engineer ... vs Smti. Subhra Bhowmik (Sen) And Another on 29 January, 2025
Author: T. Amarnath Goud
Bench: T. Amarnath Goud
Page 1 of 2
HIGH COURT OF TRIPURA
_A_G_A_R_T_A_L_A_
L.A. App. No.16 of 2024
Connected with
CO(FA) No.04 of 2024
The Deputy Chief Engineer (Construction-2), N. F. Railway, Agartala
.....Appellant
_V_E_R_S_U_S_
Smti. Subhra Bhowmik (Sen) and Another
.....Respondents.
For Appellant(s) : Mr. B. Majumder, DSGI.
For Respondent(s) : Mr. P.S. Roy, Advocate.
Mr. K. De, Advocate.
Mr. S. Bhattacharjee, Advocate.
HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE T. AMARNATH GOUD
_F_I_N_A_L_O_ R_ D_ E_ R_
29.01.2025
Heard Mr. B. Majumder, learned DSGI, appearing for the appellant
also heard Mr. P.S. Roy, learned counsel appearing for the respondents.
[2] The present appeal has been filed under Section-54 of the Land
Acquisition Act, 1894 against the judgment and order dated 27.07.2023 passed in
C.M. LA 94 of 2022 by the learned Land Acquisition Judge, South Tripura,
Sabroom.
[3] The facts in brief are that, as per the requisition of the appellant the
land of the respondent-claimant, here-in-after referred to as the respondents,
situated under Khatian no.1617, C. S. Plot No. 1920/p, Plot No.1817/7657/p, land
measuring 1.05 acres, classified as tilla class of land was acquired by the
respondent No.2 i.e. the Land Acquisition Collector, South Tripura, Belonia vide
notification dated 27.07.2011 for construction of new railway line from Agartala to
Sabroom. Accordingly, the L.A. Collector, South Tripura, Belonia, has awarded the
compensation @ Rs. 2,64.000/- per kani. That, thereafter the matter was referred to
the court of learned L.A. Judge, South Tripura, Belonia under Section-18 of the
L.A. Act thereafter, the L. A. Judge by its judgment dated 27.07.2023 enhanced the
amount of award @ Rs. 12,00,000/- per kani.
[4] Being aggrieved and dis-satisfied with the judgment and award dated
27.07.2023 passed by the learned L.A. Judge, South Tripura, Sabroom, in case No.
C.M. LA 94 of 2022, the appellant has preferred the instant appeal.
[5] This Court has come across recently in many instances of land
acquisition matters in the State of Tripura where even without examining the title
deeds and also on the strength of the L.A. Collector's report, compensation has
been awarded. It is strange to learn that there is no finding, any report or any
document to place before this Court or before the learned L.A. Collector to show
that the L.A. Collector has examined the title deeds with regard to the ownership
and also the possession of the claimant. On the strength of the revenue record (i.e.
the khatian), it cannot be said that the persons in possession and claiming the
compensation are the real owners having alienable right. Unless there is a specific
document to prove the alienable right, title and interest upon the said land, it cannot
be construed that the claimants are the lawful owners of the property and are
entitled for compensation.
[6] In view of the above observation, this Court is of the opinion that the
present matter be remanded back by setting aside the impugned order dated
27.07.2023 passed by the learned Court below. The Court below shall re-examine
the matter by giving opportunity to both sides for filing relevant documents and
mark exhibits and also frame additional issues on the alienable right, title and
interest. The claimant shall also produce any such document claiming him to be the
lawful owner of the land in question by placing title deed, if any. The claimant is
also at liberty to adduce any other relevant documents in support of his claim. Both
the parties are at liberty to take appropriate steps with regard to their pleadings
also.
[7] In that view of the matter, the present appeal is remanded back and is,
accordingly, disposed of. As a sequel, miscellaneous application pending, if any,
shall stand closed.
T. AMARNATH GOUD, J
A. Ghosh
ANJAN Digitally signed by ANJAN GHOSH
Date: 2025.02.05 15:40:40 +05'30'
GHOSH
