In a landmark move, the National Lok Adalat in Guntur has settled 24 long-pending land acquisition appeals dating back to 1983, providing much-needed compensation to local farmers.

  • Settlement of 24 pending appeals regarding 58.97 acres of land in Guntur.
  • Compensation fixed at ₹23,000 per acre for land acquired in 1983.
  • The National Lok Adalat facilitated resolution between farmers and the Andhra Pradesh Energy Department.

Guntur, Andhra Pradesh: In a significant victory for agrarian rights, the National Lok Adalat organized by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Guntur, has successfully resolved land acquisition disputes that had been languishing in courts for over forty years. The settlement involves 58.97 acres of land in Kottapalli village, Macherla mandal, which was acquired back in 1983 for a 400/220 kV power sub-station.

The resolution brings closure to 24 appeals that were previously pending before the X Additional District Court, Gurazala. At the time of acquisition in 1983, the government had offered a compensation of only ₹7,000 per acre. The farmers had long sought an enhancement of this amount, seeking up to ₹30,000 per acre. Through the mediation of the Lok Adalat, the compensation has now been finalized at ₹23,000 per acre.

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Historical Background

The roots of this dispute trace back to 1983, when the government acquired a total of 71.15 acres for the development of a crucial power infrastructure project. For four decades, the discrepancy between the government-offered rate and the actual market value led to protracted legal battles, leaving the affected families in a state of uncertainty regarding their rightful dues.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such settlements are vital for maintaining social harmony in rural sectors and reducing the massive backlog in the Indian judicial system. By utilizing the Lok Adalat mechanism, the state has managed to bypass years of litigation, providing immediate financial relief to the beneficiaries.

The successful resolution of decades-old disputes underscores the transformative power of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the Indian legal landscape.

The initiative was carried out under the guidance of Justice D. Ramesh, Andhra Pradesh High Court Administrative Judge, and the leadership of DLSA Chairman B. Sai Kalyanachakravarthi and Secretary Syed Ziyauddin. The process involved coordinated efforts from the Energy and Revenue departments, as well as the Chief Commissioner of Land Administration.

Beyond the land dispute, the Lok Adalat also addressed other significant matters, including a ₹96 lakh motor accident claim and a ₹2 crore property partition dispute. The Guntur DLSA has maintained a stellar record, securing the top position in civil-case settlements in the state for five consecutive occasions.

Did You Know?: Lok Adalats are a specialized forum where pending cases are settled through compromise and conciliation, making justice faster and more affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What was the final compensation rate for the farmers?
The compensation was fixed at ₹23,000 per acre for the 58.97 acres of land.

2. Which department is responsible for the payment?
The Andhra Pradesh Energy Department has agreed to pay the settled amount.