In Brief
In this dispute over coal-bearing land acquired in Orissa in 1987, affected landowners claimed compensation and rehabilitation. The Supreme Court accepted the amicus curiae's proposal to establish a Claims Commission composed of a retired High Court Judge, a senior government officer, and a coal company representative to examine claims. The Court directed that compensation be disbursed within set deadlines with interest at up to 15% for delays; employment be offered to all eligible displaced persons; and rehabilitation be completed within nine months. The Court also clarified that displaced persons not expressly objecting to constructed housing within one week would be presumed to accept it. All pending interlocutory applications would be considered by the High Court.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.