P&H HC Grants Compensation to Widow of Deceased Soldier for Delayed Allotment of Land

07 May 2024 8:19 AM

By: Admin

Court criticizes authorities for indolence and indifference towards honoring martyr's family

Chandigarh, May 4, 2023: In a significant judgment, the High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh has awarded compensation to the widow of a deceased soldier for the delayed allotment of land. The court expressed strong criticism towards the authorities for their indolence and indifference towards honoring the martyr's family.

The petitioner, Balwant Kaur, is the widow of late Havaldar Kehar Singh, who bravely laid down his life defending the borders of the country. In recognition of his gallantry, Balwant Kaur was allotted 10 acres of land in Ludhiana on August 8, 1997. However, she was only given symbolic possession of 8 acres, as the remaining 2 acres were covered by forest land.

Frustrated by the failure to assign her a revenue rasta (road) to access the allotted land, Balwant Kaur approached the High Court through a writ petition. Despite the court's directions and the intervention of the Director, Land Records, Punjab, no action was taken to address her grievances.

Taking note of the delay and the authorities' lack of promptness in addressing the issue, the court strongly criticized their indifference towards the widow of a martyr. The court emphasized that the valiant services of her late husband deserved utmost respect and prompt action.

As a compensatory measure, the court directed the State of Punjab to remit a sum of Rs. 5 lakhs into Balwant Kaur's savings bank account. The compensation aimed to acknowledge the unnecessary litigation she had to endure and the delays in granting her the rightful benefits.

decision:04.052023

BALWANT KAUR vs STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS