2 weeks ago
MP High Court Reserves Verdict on Ujjain-Jaora Land Acquisition
Some farmers live on farmland near Ujjain, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
The government wants to build a new four-lane road from Ujjain to Jaora before a big festival called Simhastha in 2028.
To build it, the government needs part of the farmers' land.
The farmers are upset because they say the rules were not followed when the land was taken.
They say the wrong official listened to their complaints instead of the main official, called the collector.
They also think the road could be moved a little so their farms are not needed.
The government says the road helps many people and should not be delayed.
The farmers went to the High Court, and the court listened to both sides.
The judge will give the final answer later.
Meanwhile, construction has already started, and the farmers say they are being paid less money than promised.
The Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court reserved its verdict on three petitions challenging land acquisition for the Ujjain-Jaora Greenfield four-lane project.
Farmers' counsel Vishal Chauhan argued that rules were violated because claims and objections were heard by a sub-divisional officer instead of the collector.
Petitioners said a government road already exists near the proposed site and a slight change in alignment could avoid acquiring their land.
Advocate general Prashant Singh sought dismissal, calling the project a major public-interest initiative for Simhastha Mahaparv-2028.
Construction continues on other sections, while affected farmers claim they are being paid only twice the land value instead of the announced four times.
- Who
- Farmers from three villages in Ujjain district and the Madhya Pradesh government, represented before the Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court.
- What
- The court reserved its verdict on petitions challenging land acquisition for the Ujjain-Jaora Greenfield four-lane project.
- Where
- Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court; the project concerns land in Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh.
- When
- The court heard the petitions on Tuesday and reserved its verdict; the exact date was not specified.
- Why
- Farmers allege acquisition rules were violated and compensation is inadequate, while the government says the project is needed for Simhastha Mahaparv-2028.
Petitioners (Farmers)
State Government (Respondents)
Land acquisition process
Petitioners (Farmers)
Rules were violated: claims and objections were heard by a sub-divisional officer while orders were issued by the collector, and the authority to hear objections lies exclusively with the collector under the law and earlier court orders, including a Supreme Court order.
State Government (Respondents)
The petitions lack merit; the project is a major public-interest initiative for Simhastha Mahaparv-2028 and should not be delayed by petitions.
Road alignment and need for acquisition
Petitioners (Farmers)
A government road already exists near the proposed site, and a slight change in alignment could avoid acquiring farmers' land; the administration passed acquisition orders without considering their objections.
State Government (Respondents)
The article does not state an explicit government response, but the State argued the project is an important public-interest initiative that should proceed without delay.
Key facts
- Court
- Indore Bench of Madhya Pradesh High Court
- Project
- Ujjain-Jaora Greenfield four-lane highway
- Petitions
- Three, filed by farmers from three villages
- Villages Mentioned
- Sodang and Chowki Jurnada (Ujjain district)
- Hearing Duration
- Approximately 20 minutes
- Verdict
- Reserved
- Project Purpose
- Simhastha Mahaparv-2028
- Compensation Dispute
- Farmers claim government announced four times land value but is paying only twice
Quotes
Vishal Chauhan
Counsel for farmers challenging the acquisition
“"The project is a major public‑interest initiative... it would not be appropriate to delay such an important project through petitions."”
freepressjournal.in
“"Rules were not followed during land acquisition in Sodang and other villages of Ujjain district."”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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