THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE L. NARASIMHA REDDY Writ Petition No.14281 of 2007 ORDER: Anakapalle Municipality, respondent No.2 herein, has taken steps to widen a road within its limits. The properties of the petitioners were affected. Negotiations were undertaken in the year 2005 and the petitioners agreed to part with a portion of their properties, subject to payment of compensation. The grievance of the petitioners is that the properties were used for widening of the road without payment of compensation. They seek directions to the respondents to pay the compensation. Respondent No.2 filed a counter-affidavit admitting the fact that part of the properties owned by the petitioners was utilised for widening of the road. It is, however, stated that though an offer was made to pay the compensation of Rs.1,07,806/- to petitioner No.1 and Rs.80,560/- to petitioner No.2, they did not come forward to receive the same. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned counsel for the respondents. The fact that the part of the properties owned by the petitioners was utilised for widening of the road is not disputed. Respondent No.2 has also recognised its obligation to pay the compensation to the petitioners. While respondent No.2 asserts that compensation was offered to the petitioners and they did not receive it, the latter dispute that statement. Be that as it may, the compensation can be paid even at this stage. Whatever may be the reason, respondent No.1 had the advantage of retaining and utilising the amount of compensation which was payable to the petitioners. The loss and inconvenience suffered by the petitioners can be compensated by directing payment of interest at reasonable rate. Hence, the writ petition is disposed of, directing that respondent No.2 shall pay a sum of Rs.1,07,806/- to petitioner No.1 and Rs.80,560/- to petitioner No.2 with interest at the rate of 9% p.a. from 01.06.2005 till the date of payment, within a period of two (2) months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. There shall be no order as to costs. ______________________ L. NARASIMHA REDDY, J Dt.10.03.2011. kdl