WP(C) 460/2010 BEFORE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE A.K..GOSWAMI Heard Mr. H.K. Baishya, learned counsel for the petitioners and Mr. N. B arua,, learned C.G.C., appearing for all the respondents. The petitioners, five in numbers, had filed applications u/s 3(G) (5) of the National Highway Act, 1956 for determination of just, proper and adequate compensation for acquisition of land belonging to the petitioners. Such applica tions were filed before the Respondent No. 3, Commissioner, North Assam Division , who is also an arbitrator for National Highways. By orders dated 29.7.09, 1.8.09, 12.8.09, 1.9.08 & 29.7.09 annexed a s Annexure- ’D-series’ to writ petition, the applications were rejected by the r espondent No. 3. Mr. H.K. Baishya, learned counsel for the petitioners, submits that t he impugned orders have been passed without affording any opportunity of hearing to the petitioners and/or their counsel and on that ground alone, the impugned orders are liable to be set aside and quashed being violative of the principles of natural justice. He, therefore, submits that the applications should be direc ted to be reconsidered by the respondent No. 3 in accordance with law. Mr. N. Barua, learned counsel appearing for the respondents, on instructi on, submits that the orders impugned in the writ petition were passed without h earing the petitioners and/or their counsel. In view of the aforesaid submission of Mr. Barua, I am of the opinion th at the impugned orders cannot be sustained in law and, therefore, the same are s et aside. It is further directed that the respondent no. 3 shall dispose of the applications filed by the petitioners in accordance with law after giving opport unity of hearing to the petitioners, within a period of 3 (three) months from th e date of receipt of this order. With the aforesaid observations and directions, this writ petition stan ds disposed of.