HC rejects Pochampad official plea

Hyderabad: Justice Challa Kodandaram of the High Court at Hyderabad rejected a plea raised by the Land Acquisition Officer, Pochampad on the question of awarding interest to land-owners whose land was acquired under the Land Acquisition Act. According to the Land Acquisition Officer, interest on the amount of compensation as enhanced, was not payable to the land-owners.

“Now it is no longer in dispute that the compensation that is required to be paid under the Land Acquisition Act, includes solatium”, Justice Kodandaram said. The judge dealt with the case law on the subject. The judge found that the authorities cannot refuse payment of interest as solatium is also being paid.