Compensation for 2008 land acquisition delayed;

Ahilyanagar district collector directed to deposit Rs 6 crore in court

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar:

Land belonging to farmers was acquired in 1971 for the Jayakwadi Dam at Paithan. However, after the dam reached full capacity, some farmers’ lands were submerged without being formally acquired. To address this, a land acquisition judgement was passed in 2008 for the affected farmers.

The Aurangabad bench of the Bombay High Court expressed strong displeasure over the fact that the concerned farmers are yet to receive compensation. Justice Vibha Kankanwadi and Hiten Venegaonkar, on February 12, 2026, directed the Ahilyanagar district collector to deposit Rs 6 crore in court within four weeks. The court clarified that the amount should either be recovered from the Godavari Irrigation Department or deposited from the district administration’s own funds. Instructions were also issued to take action against the officials responsible for the delay.

The lands of petitioners Madhukar Bhagwat and others were acquired in 2008, and the initial judgement was announced the same year. A revised order was issued by the sub-divisional officer of Pathardi on December 31, 2015. However, even after a decade, the affected farmers have not received compensation.

Court’s strong displeasure

On behalf of the state, it was submitted that despite repeated correspondence with the Godavari Irrigation Department, the compensation amount was not deposited. Acquiring land in the name of public purpose and failing to provide compensation for years is a serious matter. This forces farmers to approach the courts, placing an additional financial burden on the public exchequer due to interest. The court noted with concern that such petitions are being filed repeatedly.

Submit affidavit within four weeks

The court directed the Godavari Irrigation Department to submit a detailed affidavit within four weeks, explaining the reasons for not depositing the compensation amount on time. It also instructed that an internal inquiry be conducted to fix responsibility on negligent officials and to provide details of the proposed action against them. The respondents have been directed to remain present at the next hearing on March 12, 2026 with the full compensation amount, when the court will take a final decision regarding the payment. Advocate N.N. Bhagwat appeared for adv S.D. Bhagwat on behalf of the petitioners, while assistant government pleader V.M. Kagane represented the state.