Sports University: HC orders State, Central Govts to 'follow relevant laws' in acquiring land
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 11 2014:
In an unprecedented ruling on government plan for acquisition of land for construction of 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 in the land acquisition process.
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 Manipur Cabinet's decision to acquire Yaithibi Loukon for setting up of the University.
According to the Court order, the government should follow the due process of law during the acquisition of land for the sports university, so that the aggrieved land owners are properly heard and compensated as per law.
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.
Meanwhile, the joint secretary of 'Affected Land Owners' Association against Forced Land Acquisition for Sports University, Manipur', Md Najimuddin appreciated the court order pertaining to the controversial Yaithibi Loukon acquisition for the proposed university.
In a press meet held at Manipur Press Club today, Najimuddin 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 villages in Imphal West and Imphal East.