Taking strict note of failure of Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to pay Rs 95 lakh to a farmer whose land was acquired by the authority way back in 2004, a local court ordered attachment of former’s bank account.
Providing relief to petitioner Nachattar Singh, who had been seeking enhanced compensation for the acquired land, the court ordered attachment of GMADA’s bank account with Punjab National Bank (PNB).
In 2004, GMADA had acquired 276 acres land in Kumbra, Mauli Biadwan, Chilla and Raipur Khurd villages for setting up Knowledge City. Then in 2006 GMADA had announced compensation of Rs 40 lakh per acre for the farmers whose land was acquired.
Finding the compensation on the lower side, a few farmers urged GMADA to enhance the same and refused to accept the money being offered. When GMADA failed to concede to their demand, the farmers moved the court.
One such petition was filed by Nachatar Singh who urged the court to direct GMADA to enhance the compensation. “My land in Chilla village is at prime location and GMADA is acquiring the land at a throwaway price even when the private developers are offering much higher price,” he had contended.
The court, while disposing of his petition, enhanced the compensation amount to Rs 53 lakh per acre. Despite court orders GMADA only paid 50% of the compensation amount, following which Singh again moved the court. Finally, the court attached the bank account of the authority.
{{/usCountry}}The court, while disposing of his petition, enhanced the compensation amount to Rs 53 lakh per acre. Despite court orders GMADA only paid 50% of the compensation amount, following which Singh again moved the court. Finally, the court attached the bank account of the authority.
{{/usCountry}}Not first instance
This is not the first time that GMADA’s properties have been attached. In 2014, while disposing of a similar petition, a court had attached GAMDA properties after the authority failed to pay `5 crore to the famers whose land had been acquired. The court had then attached PUDA building in Sector 62; cars of the chief administrator and estate officer, GMADA; computers, furniture, air conditioners; and authority’s bank accounts.