IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH C.W.P. No. 18836 of 2008 DATE OF DECISION: November 4, 2008 Gurdial Chand …Petitioner Versus State of Punjab and others …Respondents CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE M.M. KUMAR HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE JORA SINGH Present: Mr. Vinod Khunger, Advocate, for the petitioner. 1. Whether Reporters of local papers may be allowed to see the judgment? 2. To be referred to the Reporters or not? 3. Whether the judgment should be reported in the Digest? M.M. KUMAR, J. This petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution prays for issuance of a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to pay compensation in respect of the acquired land otherwise to release the land. The predecessor-in-interest of the petitioner was owner of land measuring 20 Kanals 5 Marlas, comprising in Khasra No. 61 (20-5), situated in the area of village Moranwala, Tehsil Jalalabad, C.W.P. No. 18836 of 2008 District Ferozepur. It is claimed that possession of the aforementioned land was taken by the Canal Department for construction of a drain, however, no compensation has been paid. On 17.10.2007, the petitioner sent a legal notice to the respondents claiming compensation in respect of the land as well as trees which were standing there. However, no reply is stated to have been received. Without going into the merits of the case, we deem it just and appropriate to direct the respondents to take cognizance of the legal notice, dated 17.10.2007 (P-3) sent by the petitioner and decide the same expeditiously preferably within a period of two months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this order. If the claim of the petitioner is found to be meritorious and decided in his favour then the benefit accruing to him shall be disbursed within four weeks thereafter. It shall be appreciated if a speaking order is passed. Petition stands disposed of in the above terms. (M.M. KUMAR) JUDGE (JORA SINGH) November 4, 2008 JUDGE Pkapoor 2