This order is in continuation of our earlier orders.

We are dealing with the construction of NH-227J, 227L, 527A, 327E, commonly termed as Umagaon-Saharsa.

The total stretch of the 140 K.M. of road is divided into five Packages, one of which pertains to construction of Bridge, not subject matter of the present petition.

Vide our order dated 11th of August, 2021, we had issued directions, Package and district wise.

We notice that no affidavit indicating the latest status stands filed by any one of the respondents, but, however, under instructions, Dr. Maurya Vijay Chandra, learned counsel for the Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 2/11 respondents has provided certain information, which we record as under:-

We direct the District Magistrate, Madhubani as also CALA to ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants forthwith, without involvement of the middlemen, and directly into the bank account of the rightful claimants. For such purpose, the District Administration shall adopt a pro-active approach. Also, special camps would be organized for informing and Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 3/11 educating the rightful claimants of the statutory right to not only receive compensation but also take appropriate steps for enhancement, should the need so arise in accordance with law. Also, steps would be taken to facilitate the process of completion of formalities and quick disbursement of the amount of compensation for acquisition of land, for facilitating possession thereof.

Should any one of the claimants refuse to accept the amount, it shall be open for the District Administration/CALA to deposit the same with the concerned District Judge. Equally, it shall be open for the claimants to receive the same under protest.

With the disbursement/deposit of the amount, possession of the land be taken over in terms of Section 3E of the Act and hand it over to NHAI.

If necessary, the District Magistrate shall form a team for undertaking such an exercise.

The District Magistrate shall personally supervise all these operations and file his affidavit of the steps taken/compliance within three weeks from today.

Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that the NIT stands issued and Bids invited on 26.01.2022, to close on 10.03.2022.

NHAI shall file an affidavit of compliance and indicating latest status before the next date of hearing.

Package-II, District- Madhubani Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 4/11 It is stated that in terms of Section 3G , of the National Highways Act, 1956 NHAI has already deposited a sum of Rs. 97.23 Crores, the amount payable as compensation for acquisition of land.

Shri Anjani Kumar, learned Additional Advocate General No. 4 states that under all circumstances, the District Magistrate, Madhubani and CALA shall ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants expeditiously and in accordance with law.

Needless to add the authorities shall take all steps for complying with the statutory stipulations ( Section 3G and 3H of the Act).

We direct the District Magistrate, Madhubani as also CALA to ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants forthwith, without involvement of the middlemen, and directly into the bank account of the rightful claimants. For such purpose, the District Administration shall adopt a pro-active approach. Also, special camps would be organized for informing and educating the rightful claimants of the statutory right to not only receive compensation but also take appropriate steps for enhancement, should the need so arise in accordance with law. Also, steps would be taken to facilitate the process of completion of formalities and quick disbursement of the amount of compensation for acquisition of land, for facilitating possession thereof.

Should any one of the claimants refuse to accept the amount, it shall be open for the District Administration/CALA to Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 5/11 deposit the same with the concerned District Judge. Equally, it shall be open for the claimants to receive the same under protest.

With the disbursement/deposit of the amount, possession of the land be taken over in terms of Section 3E of the Act and hand it over to NHAI.

If necessary, the District Magistrate shall form a team for undertaking such an exercise.

The District Magistrate shall personally supervise all these operations and file his affidavit of the steps taken/compliance within three weeks from today.

Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that the NIT stands issued and Bids invited on 26.01.2022, to close on 10.03.2022.

NHAI shall file an affidavit of compliance and indicating latest status before the next date of hearing.

Package-III, District- Madhubani and Darbhanga It is stated that in terms of Section 3G , of the National Highways Act, 1956 CALA has already deposited a sum of Rs. 91.35 Crores, the amount payable as compensation for acquisition of land.

Shri Anjani Kumar, learned Additional Advocate General No. 4 states that under all circumstances, the District Magistrate, Madhubani; District Magistrate, Darbhanga and CALA shall ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants expeditiously Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 6/11 and in accordance with law.

Needless to add the authorities shall take all steps for complying with the statutory stipulations ( Section 3G and 3H of the Act).

We direct the District Magistrate, Madhubani; District Magistrate, Darbhanga, as also CALA to ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants forthwith, without involvement of the middlemen, and directly into the bank account of the rightful claimants. For such purpose, the District Administration shall adopt a pro-active approach. Also, special camps would be organized for informing and educating the rightful claimants of the statutory right to not only receive compensation but also take appropriate steps for enhancement, should the need so arise in accordance with law. Also, steps would be taken to facilitate the process of completion of formalities and quick disbursement of the amount of compensation for acquisition of land, for facilitating possession thereof.

Should any one of the claimants refuse to accept the amount, it shall be open for the District Administration/CALA to deposit the same with the concerned District Judge. Equally, it shall be open for the claimants to receive the same under protest.

With the disbursement/deposit of the amount, possession of the land be taken over in terms of Section 3E of the Act and hand it over to NHAI.

If necessary, the District Magistrate shall form a team for Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 7/11 undertaking such an exercise.

The District Magistrate shall personally supervise all these operations and file his affidavit of the steps taken/compliance within three weeks from today.

Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that the NIT stands issued and Bids invited on 26.01.2022, to close on 10.03.2022.

NHAI shall file an affidavit of compliance and indicating latest status before the next date of hearing.

Package-V, District- Supaul & District- Saharsa District- Supaul It is stated that the process for declaration of acquisition, as envisaged under Section 3D of the National Highways Act, 1956 is complete and now, as per the requisition sent by CALA, a sum of ₹89.5 Crore is required to be deposited by NHAI.

Under instructions, Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that within next 20 days, the said amount shall positively be deposited with CALA.

Shri Anjani Kumar, learned Additional Advocate General No. 4 states that under all circumstances, the District Magistrate, Supaul and CALA shall ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants expeditiously and in accordance with law.

Needless to add, the authorities shall take all steps for Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 8/11 complying with the statutory stipulations ( Section 3G and 3H of the Act).

We direct the District Magistrate, Supaul as also CALA to ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants forthwith, without involvement of the middlemen, and directly into the bank account of the rightful claimants. For such purpose, the District Administration shall adopt a pro-active approach. Also, special camps would be organized for informing and educating the rightful claimants of the statutory right to not only receive compensation but also take appropriate steps for enhancement, should the need so arise in accordance with law. Also, steps would be taken to facilitate the process of completion of formalities and quick disbursement of the amount of compensation for acquisition of land, for facilitating possession thereof.

Should any one of the claimants refuse to accept the amount, it shall be open for the District Administration/CALA to deposit the same with the concerned District Judge. Equally, it shall be open for the claimants to receive the same under protest.

With the disbursement/deposit of the amount, possession of the land be taken over in terms of Section 3E of the Act and hand it over to NHAI.

If necessary, the District Magistrate shall form a team for undertaking such an exercise.

The District Magistrate shall personally supervise all these Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 9/11 operations and file his affidavit of the steps taken/compliance within three weeks from today.

NHAI shall file an affidavit of compliance and indicating latest status before the next date of hearing.

District- Saharsa It is stated that out of Rs. 91.40 Crores, the total amount of compensation, Rs. 5.5. Crores stands disbursed by the NHAI.

Under instructions, Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that within next 20 days, the said amount shall positively be deposited with CALA.

Shri Anjani Kumar, learned Additional Advocate General No. 4 states that under all circumstances, the District Magistrate, Saharsa and CALA shall ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants expeditiously and in accordance with law.

Needless to add, the authorities shall take all steps for complying with the statutory stipulations ( Section 3G and 3H of the Act).

We direct the District Magistrate, Saharsa as also CALA to ensure that the amount is disbursed to the rightful claimants forthwith, without involvement of the middlemen, and directly into the bank account of the rightful claimants. For such purpose, the District Administration shall adopt a pro-active approach. Also, special camps would be organized for informing and educating the Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 10/11 rightful claimants of the statutory right to not only receive compensation but also take appropriate steps for enhancement, should the need so arise in accordance with law. Also, steps would be taken to facilitate the process of completion of formalities and quick disbursement of the amount of compensation for acquisition of land, for facilitating possession thereof.

Should any one of the claimants refuse to accept the amount, it shall be open for the District Administration/CALA to deposit the same with the concerned District Judge. Equally, it shall be open for the claimants to receive the same under protest.

With the disbursement/deposit of the amount, possession of the land be taken over in terms of Section 3E of the Act and hand it over to NHAI.

If necessary, the District Magistrate shall form a team for undertaking such an exercise.

The District Magistrate shall personally supervise all these operations and file his affidavit of the steps taken/compliance within three weeks from today.

So far as bid is concerned, Dr. K.N. Singh, learned Additional Solicitor General states that the same is likely to be invited by April, 2022.

NHAI shall file an affidavit of compliance and indicating latest status before the next date of hearing.

List this case on 18th of February, 2022.

Patna High Court CWJC No.8366 of 2021(6) dt.28-01-2022 11/11 We appreciate the efforts put in by the learned Amicus Curiae as also all the learned counsel appearing in this matter in assisting the Court.

(Sanjay Karol, CJ) (S. Kumar, J) P.K.P./Amrendra U