HC seeks Centre, State reply on land acquisition

 
The High Court ordered notices while hearing a petition by Diwakar Bhat and others from Nandikur and Yellur in Udupi district. The petitioners have challenged the preliminary notification issued in February 2009 and final notification issued in August 2009, for acquisition of land for the construction of a railway station, line and yard for supply of coal by rail wagon to Udupi Power Corporation Limited. They argued that the land was prime agricultural land used for cultivating paddy, coconut and arecanut. They contended that the Government, when providing environmental clearance for the project, had laid down the condition that the coal and dry ash had to be transported by a closed conveyor system with dust-suppressing mechanism.

Referring to the iron ore pipeline in Kudremukh, they said that a similar system could be explored in this region as well. However, counsel for Nagarjuna Power Corporation Ltd which has set up the thermal power plant at Padubidri, argued that 92 per cent of the work was completed and the first unit would be started in April. They contended that any delay in coal supply, would worsen the power crisis.

Elections deferred

The HC on Friday deferred elections to the Anjuman-E-Islam in Hubli, which were to be held on Jan 31. Abdul Rasool and others had petitioned the court saying that Returning Officer Hafeezullah Sharif appointed for conducting the elections, had issued a notification for membership enrollment, life membership enrollment and for patrons.

The petitioners complained that he had been appointed to conduct the elections and the enrollment of members could be done only by the general body through a resolution.
A division bench headed by Justice V Gopalagowda ruled that the respondent strictly adhere to the bye-law and fix the date for elections.