WP/19108/2024 of N.BEULAH JOHNSELVARAJ Vs THE COMPETENT AUTHORITY AND

WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page1 of 6 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS DATED: 06-04-2026 CORAM THE HON'BLE MR JUSTICE KRISHNAN RAMASAMY WP No. 19108 of 2024 N.Beulah Johnselvaraj ..Petitioner(s) Vs. 1. The Competent Authority and The Special District Revenue Officer (LA) National Highways, Kanchipuram. 2. The Special Tahsildar (LA) National Highway Projects, Bangalore to Chennai Expressway, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District. 3. The Project Director, National Highways Authorities of Inida, PIU Kancheepuram, No. DP 34, Sri Towers, South Phase, Third Floor, Guindy, Chennai 600 032. ..Respondent(s) Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking issuance of writ of mandamus, directing the 1st respondent to pay compensation for trees attached to the land in Plot No. 41 & 43 to the peti tioner along with interest 18 % from 2017 to till date. For Petitioner(s): Mr.M.Elumalai for Ms.A.Dhanalakshmi For Respondent(s): Ms.S.Indhu Bala Additional Government Pleader for R1 & R2 Mrs.S.R.Sumathy for R3 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page2 of 6 ORDER This Writ Petition has been filed seeking issuance of writ of manda mus, directing the 1st respondent to pay compensation for trees attached to the land in Plot No. 41 & 43 to the petitioner along with interest 18 % from 2017 to till date. 2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that about 43 trees as referred in the 2 nd respondent letter to the Special Officer (Land Acquisition) dated 02.09.2022, no compensation was fixed to the petitioner therefore, the petitioner given a representation on 01.06.2024 to the respondents. Since the same is not yet considered, the present writ peti tion is filed. 3. However, the learned counsel for the respondents would submit that already compensation was paid for the 20 trees to the petitioner and as far as the present claim is concerned, it is not pertaining to the petitioner’ s land therefore, the respondents will consider the same and pass appropriate orders. 4. In the present case, the petitioner has given a representation for determination of compensation on 01.06.2024. There is no dispute on that aspect and with regard to the determination of compensation for t he 20 teak https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page3 of 6 trees which belongs to the petitioner along with the land. However , it is stated that about 43 trees were left out and the same was referred f or the purpose of valuation by the 2nd respondent to the appropriate authorities concerned therefore, no compensation was determined for the said 43 trees. Once the compensation was determined, the petitioner can very well approach the authority concerned for enhancement as per the law. If no compensati on was determined to the trees, it is duty of the incumbent to determine the compensation and there is no dispute on the aspect of the trees ment ioned in the letter dated 02.09.2022 and the dispute is only with regard to the owner ship. Such being the case, the respondent can very well conduct an enquiry ba sed on the petitioner’s representation dated 01.06.2024 after issuing notice to al l the parties concerned and thereafter, determine the compensation, to w hich extent, the petitioner’s entitlement to the trees. 5. In view of the same, the respondents are is directed to conside r the petitioner’s representation dated 01.06.2024 and pass appropriate orders on the same determining compensation, in accordance with law, within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order, aft er issuing notice to the necessary parties. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page4 of 6 6. This Writ Petition is disposed of with the above terms. No costs. 06-04-2026 Index: Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order Neutral Citation: Yes/No KKN https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page5 of 6 To 1. The Competent Authority and The Special District Revenue Officer (LA) National Highways, Kanchipuram. 2. The Special Tahsildar (LA) National Highway Projects, Bangalore to Chennai Expressway, Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram District. 3. The Project Director, National Highways Authorities of Inida, PIU Kancheepuram, No. DP 34, Sri Towers, South Phase, Third Floor, Guindy, Chennai 600 032. https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis WP No. 19108 of 2024 __________ Page6 of 6 KRISHNAN RAMASAMY, J. KKN WP No. 19108 of 2024 06-04-2026 https://www.mhc.tn.gov.in/judis