The High Court of Meghalaya has ruled in a lengthy land acquisition case, directing the release of delayed compensation funds, following a public interest litigation over alleged excessive compensation payments. The case concerns the state’s misuse of public money. The case stems from a 2017 Supreme Court ruling that raised concerns regarding ₹115 per square foot in compensation for purchased land. An order prohibiting the distribution of monies to Patricia Nongsiej and Stied Dkhar resulted from the apex court’s concern over the significant discrepancy between this rate and what the landowner had initially paid.
A Special Judicial Officer was assigned to look into the case after the Supreme Court ordered it. The officer determined in her June 20, 2025, ruling that the compensation sum was reasonable and “had been calculated according to Section 26 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.” The original landowner, who was represented by Senior Advocate K. Paul, had already gotten 80% of the total pay and was requesting the remaining 20%, according to the HC. This assertion was refuted by other disputing parties, who maintained that they had rightful claims to the land. The Chief Justice ruled that the Special Judicial Officer’s decision, made in public interest litigation, should be considered a final judgment. The court ordered 20% of the withheld compensation to be retained for eight weeks.
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