State asked to simplify land acquisition process

Allowing a writ petition moved by S Rajkumar of Vellore, seeking to call for the records comprised in the impugned notification issued in 2001 by the Vellore Collector relating to the acquisition of 0.90 hectares situated in Anadalai village and quash the same, Justice S Vaidyanathan said, “There is total non-application of mind on the part of the Vellore Collector while issuing the proceedings dated August 28, 2001, while over-ruling the objections of the land owner.” 

The petitioner, an agriculturist, had contended that the government has sought to acquire the land, which has not only the electrical connection, but also motor pump set. Moreover, pipelines are running through S No 436, which would make the other lands around it barren if the land is used for constructing houses.

He also noted that award notice enquiry in Form No 3 was objected to in detail and the Vellore district administration is trying to make a mockery of the beneficial welfare legislation of the Act. He said there is no justification for the Collector to acquire the land belonging to a Scheduled Caste person for the purpose of a Harijan Welfare Scheme.