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2014 (7) TMI 1378 - HC - Indian LawsDemand of Compensation - Validity of Award - challenge has been raised to the validity of the acquisition proceedings contending that since the notification under Section 3-D of the Act was published within the prescribed time, it has ceased - it is alleged that the procedure adopted for awarding compensation is erroneous - HELD THAT:- There is a statutory obligation for publishing the notice in two newspapers for the purpose of award of compensation under Section 3-G of the Act. The petitioner has categorically stated in paragraph 20 of the writ petition that no such notice was ever published nor any opportunity was given to the petitioner to file any objections. Sri Mehrotra submits that the notification dated 3.11.2011 should be considered to be a notification published in the newspaper under Section 3-G of the Act. It is observed that that the said notification is a notification under Section 3-D and is not a notification under Section 3-G of the Act. The averment contained in paragraph 28 of the counter affidavit is, therefore, misleading. The respondents, therefore, have not complied with a statutory provision containing the principles of natural justice engrafted in the Act itself. It is settled law that if an act requires to be performed after publication of the notice in the newspaper then it is not a mere formality and the matter relating to award of compensation dealing with substantive right of a tenure holder cannot be defeated by delivering the award without complying with the aforesaid provision. Once it is held that the award is in violation of principles of natural justice then it is not necessary for this Court to relegate the petitioner to the remedy under the 1996 Act. The award itself being contrary to the provisions of Section 3-G and in contravention thereof, we have no hesitation to hold that the said act of the authority was in complete disregard of the statutory provisions resulting in violation of principle of natural justice. The question, therefore, availing of any alternative remedy by the petitioner on the facts of this case does not arise. The award which has been rendered in relation to the agricultural land of the petitioner is clearly in violation of Section 3-G of the Act as the award itself also nowhere recites that any such notice was published in the newspaper as required in the said provision. Consequently, the impugned award dated 30.4.2013 to the said extent is quashed. Petition allowed in part.
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