Court Issues Notice to Amroha Collector Over Delay in Land Acquisition Compensation
Court's Serious Action on Compensation Delay
In response to the prolonged delay in disbursing land acquisition compensation, the Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authority in Moradabad has issued a show-cause notice to the collector of Amroha. The notice questions why the collector should not be sent to civil jail for failing to comply with monetary orders.
Execution Case Proceedings
This directive was issued in execution case number 80/2025. The individuals entitled to compensation as per the court's ruling have yet to receive their payments.
Previous Orders and Compliance Issues
The authority was hearing an execution case, which means it was not adjudicating the original land dispute but was enforcing a prior decision. A previous order dated June 30, 2025, had instructed officials to compensate landowners in the acquisition case. Due to non-payment, the affected parties approached the court to enforce the order.
Court's Inquiry on Compensation Status
During the hearing on April 30, 2026, the court primarily examined why the compensation had not yet been disbursed and whether the Amroha collector should be granted more time or face strict action.
State Government's Request for Extension
The state government requested additional time, citing an appeal pending against the original decision and a request for funds. However, the court considered whether such reasons justified the continued non-compliance with the order.
Rejection of Stay Petition
During the proceedings, the state government sought more time, stating that the first appeal against the June 30, 2025, decision was pending and that a letter had been sent to the principal secretary on April 8, 2026, to release the funds. They assured that the amount would be deposited as soon as the funds were received.
Court's Deadline for Execution
Citing a recent Supreme Court directive mandating that execution proceedings be completed within six months, the court emphasized that this case has been pending since November 27, 2025, and must be resolved by May 27, 2026.
Concerns Over Compliance
The court noted that despite more than five months passing, the decree had not been complied with, raising concerns about adherence to judicial orders.
Property Attachment and Non-Compliance
Previously, on April 8, 2026, the court ordered the attachment of the collector's property under Order 21 Rule 54 of the Civil Procedure Code. The collector was summoned to court on April 24 to set conditions for the sale of the property, but he failed to appear.
Challenges in Property Sale Process
The court stated that advancing the sale process of the attached property was practically challenging, as the officials responsible for completing this process fall under the administrative control of the district magistrate, hindering effective implementation.
Potential Arrest Warrant Issued
In light of the ongoing non-compliance, the court indicated that the next step could involve issuing an arrest warrant under CPC Order 21 Rule 38. However, considering the collector is a government employee, the court decided to adopt a lenient approach and proceed under CPC Order 21 Rule 37.
Show-Cause Notice Issued
Consequently, the court has directed the Amroha collector to appear in court and submit an affidavit explaining why he should not be sent to civil jail. This notice is to be served immediately through the district government's lawyer.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The court clarified that if the collector fails to appear or provide a satisfactory explanation, an arrest warrant may be issued against him. This case is scheduled for the next hearing after the Lok Adalat session on May 12, 2026.