In a rare and striking move highlighting prolonged delays in land acquisition compensation, a court has ordered the seizure of the official vehicle of the Hassan Deputy Commissioner after a farmer waited 15 years for payment.
Land acquired, compensation never paid
The Irrigation Department had acquired land belonging to farmer Marigowda of Bhaktaravalli village in Alur taluk for the Yagachi canal project nearly 15 years ago. The compensation fixed for the acquired land was ₹11,22,559. However, despite repeated representations, the amount was never disbursed.
Left with no alternative, Marigowda and his family approached the court, seeking justice for the prolonged delay that severely impacted their livelihood.
Court takes a strong stand
After hearing the case, the court expressed serious displeasure over the inordinate delay in releasing compensation. As a coercive measure to enforce compliance, it ordered the seizure of the official car of the Hassan Deputy Commissioner.
Acting on the court’s directive, Marigowda arrived with his advocate and formally seized the vehicle of Deputy Commissioner K.S. Lathakumari.
A message to the administration
The incident has drawn widespread attention across the district, bringing focus to the struggles faced by farmers whose lands are acquired for public projects but who are left waiting years for compensation.
Legal experts say such orders are rare but underline the judiciary’s willingness to hold authorities accountable when administrative delays violate citizens’ rights. Farmers’ organisations have welcomed the court’s action, calling it a wake-up call for departments handling land acquisition cases.
Larger issue of delayed compensation
The Yagachi canal project, while crucial for irrigation in parts of Hassan district, has been associated with long-pending compensation disputes. Activists argue that delays not only cause financial distress but also erode trust in governance.
The case has renewed calls for timely compensation, transparent processes and strict monitoring of land acquisition cases to ensure that affected families are not forced into prolonged legal battles for their rightful dues.