Follow relevant laws in acquiring land : HC
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, December 11 2014:
In a notice pertaining to the Manipur Government's plan to set up a Sports University at the controversial Yaithibi Loukon village of Thoubal district, the High Court of Manipur has directed both the State and Central Governments to strictly follow the provisions of law and other relevant Acts and rules while acquiring land for the purpose.
The ruling comes after the Affected Land Owners Association against Forced Land Acquisition for Sports University, Manipur filed a writ petition in the High Court of Manipur against the Cabinet decision to acquire Yaithibi Loukon for setting up the varsity, joint secretary of the association, Md Najimuddin told the media at the Press Club here on Thursday.
He said the respondents in the case are the Chief Secretary, Revenue Secretary, YAS Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners of Thoubal and Chandel districts, Union of India and Asian Development Bank.
On December 8, Justice N Kotiswar Singh after patiently hearing the submissions of the learned counsels from both sides, issued direction to the State respondent to comply with the procedure of land acquisition before taking the land of the petitioners so as to meet the ends of justice, Najimuddin cited.
He said in view of the Manipur High Court order dated 8-12-2014, the proceeding of land acquisition initiated by the Minister concerned for construction of the sports varsity has been frustrated.
The learned counsel for the petitioners had lamented that the Manipur Government has carried out many evictions and acquired land without due process of law, he cited.
Najimuddin, however, said the affected land owners welcome the decision of the Central and Manipur Governments to set up a National Sports University in Manipur.
But such development project should be taken up under proper procedure by maintaining transparency in order to give justice to all, he added.
He also referred to many suitable sites for establishment of the proposed Sports Varsity in six districts of the State for which the villagers have already offered lands, particularly in Koutruk, Awang Lamphel and Moirang in Imphal West and Imphal East.