Archive · 27 Nov 2025
HC Criticizes Haryana for 32-Year Legal Battle
A man named Balbir Singh from a village in Haryana sued the state government because leaking water pipes damaged his house.
The lower courts found the government responsible and ordered them to pay him money for the damage.
However, the government kept fighting the case for over 30 years, even though the courts had already decided in favor of the man.
The High Court recently said the government was wrong to keep fighting and confirmed that the man should receive the compensation awarded to him.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court dismissed a 24-year-old Regular Second Appeal filed by the Haryana government.
The case involved compensation for damage to a villager's house due to leaking water pipelines.
Lower courts had already held the state liable and awarded Rs 2 lakh with 12% annual interest.
The High Court criticized the state for pursuing litigation without any substantial question of law.
The state's appeal was dismissed, and the compensation awarded to the villager was affirmed.
- Who
- Balbir Singh (plaintiff) vs. State of Haryana (defendant)
- What
- Legal battle over compensation for house damage due to leaking water pipelines
- When
- Case dates back to 1993, final decision on November 26
- Where
- Punjab and Haryana High Court, involving a village in Sonipat, Haryana
- Why
- State refused to accept negligence and continued litigation for over three decades
- Case Year
- 1993
- Compensation Awarded
- Rs 2 lakh with 12% annual interest
- Court Decision Date
- November 26
- Village Name
- Bichpari, Sonipat
- Plaintiff Name
- Balbir Singh
- Defendant
- State of Haryana and its Public Health Department