In Brief
Kalpataru Power Transmission Ltd. and landowners disputed compensation for land used in a 400 KV power transmission project spanning 100 km across four districts in Haryana. The Punjab & Haryana High Court had awarded uniform compensation at 85% of collector's rate for tower base area and 15% for Right of Way (ROW) diminution, applying rates from one village across the entire corridor. The Supreme Court held this methodology improper, as land characteristics vary significantly by location—some near highways, others in rural agricultural areas. The Court set aside the High Court order and remitted the case for reassessment by location. Additionally, the Court recommended that the Law Commission and Ministry of Law and Justice examine whether statutory appeals should be provided against District Judge compensation orders under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, as the current scheme offers no appellate remedy, forcing parties to invoke limited writ jurisdiction.
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