Kerala HC Summons NHAI Over ORR Compensation Delay

26 Jun 2026 CW Team

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.

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