Kerala HC Summons NHAI Over ORR Compensation Delay
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Kerala HC Summons NHAI Over ORR Compensation Delay

The Kerala High Court has summoned senior officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) over prolonged delay in disbursing compensation to landowners who surrendered land for the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road (ORR) project. The court tightened its scrutiny after finding that affected owners had been facing severe hardship for the past four years. The move follows sustained agitation by those awaiting payment and judicial concern over compliance with acquisition obligations.

The high court directed that senior NHAI officials appear in person after repeated non-compliance in submitting an affidavit specifying when compensation would be paid. The petition was filed by the Vizhinjam ORR Land Owners Welfare Movement, which has sought timely redress for land acquired for the project. The court heard detailed arguments from the NHAI and the petitioners on March 17 and had ordered a timeline be presented to the bench.

Bench directions required NHAI to file a detailed affidavit within two months setting out a schedule for release of dues, but the authority sought an extension on May 29 and then failed to file the affidavit during hearings on June 15 and June 22. The high court expressed strong dissatisfaction after no representative appeared at the last hearing and has summoned officials to appear before it on Monday. The proceedings underline judicial impatience with administrative delays that prolong hardship for affected families.

Ajith Nair, president of the landowners movement, stated that the association had followed the matter closely for the past seven months and that central authorities had repeatedly promised immediate compensation. The petitioners no longer sought assurances but clear decisions and timelines, and they attributed the continued delay to central and implementing agencies. The case will proceed with the NHAI required to explain the status of payments and the timetable for disbursement.

The Kerala High Court has summoned senior officials of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) over prolonged delay in disbursing compensation to landowners who surrendered land for the Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road (ORR) project. The court tightened its scrutiny after finding that affected owners had been facing severe hardship for the past four years. The move follows sustained agitation by those awaiting payment and judicial concern over compliance with acquisition obligations. The high court directed that senior NHAI officials appear in person after repeated non-compliance in submitting an affidavit specifying when compensation would be paid. The petition was filed by the Vizhinjam ORR Land Owners Welfare Movement, which has sought timely redress for land acquired for the project. The court heard detailed arguments from the NHAI and the petitioners on March 17 and had ordered a timeline be presented to the bench. Bench directions required NHAI to file a detailed affidavit within two months setting out a schedule for release of dues, but the authority sought an extension on May 29 and then failed to file the affidavit during hearings on June 15 and June 22. The high court expressed strong dissatisfaction after no representative appeared at the last hearing and has summoned officials to appear before it on Monday. The proceedings underline judicial impatience with administrative delays that prolong hardship for affected families. Ajith Nair, president of the landowners movement, stated that the association had followed the matter closely for the past seven months and that central authorities had repeatedly promised immediate compensation. The petitioners no longer sought assurances but clear decisions and timelines, and they attributed the continued delay to central and implementing agencies. The case will proceed with the NHAI required to explain the status of payments and the timetable for disbursement.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Walplast HomeSure Posts Strong Q1 Growth Across Categories

Walplast Products reported strong year-on-year growth across key categories of its HomeSure portfolio during the April-June quarter of 2026, supported by demand for value-added construction materials and expansion of its product and distribution network.HomeSure GypEx Walbond recorded the highest growth at 157 per cent, followed by HomeSure GypEx Gypsum Plaster at 97 per cent and HomeSure TileEx Tile Adhesive at 75 per cent. Textures grew 55 per cent, while HomeSure Wall Putty and HomeSure TileEx Tile Cleaner each registered 40 per cent growth. HomeSure TileEx Cementitious Tile Grout grew 25 p..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Vedanta Deploys India’s First High-Speed Hydrostatic Drill Rig

Vedanta Limited has commissioned India’s first high-tech, high-speed hydrostatic portable drilling rig equipped with advanced safety features, strengthening its technology-led mineral exploration capabilities. The rigs have been deployed at two of the company’s exploration projects in Chhattisgarh targeting gold and critical minerals including nickel, chromium and platinum group elements (PGE).Designed for inaccessible and difficult terrain, the portable rig can drill to depths of up to 1,000 metres, compared with the typical 300–400 metre range. Its portability is expected to reduce tim..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

ELAN, Marriott Sign Deal for JW Marriott Gurugram Project

ELAN Group and Marriott International have recently signed a licensing and management agreement to develop the JW Marriott Hotel Gurugram and JW Marriott Residences Gurugram at Sector 106 on Dwarka Expressway.The hotel and residences will form part of ELAN Group’s approximately 50-acre integrated township in Gurugram. ELAN Group will undertake the construction and development of both components, while Marriott Hotels India will manage the properties upon completion.JW Marriott Residences Gurugram will comprise 3, 4 and 5 BHK luxury homes. Sales and marketing of the residences will begin afte..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement