SC stay on 4X land compensation order draws Farmer forum’s ire -

Shimla, Aug 6,
Thousands of farmers affected by road widening and infrastructure projects in Himachal Pradesh may be denied four times land compensation, as the Congress government has secured a Supreme Court interim stay against a High Court order that favoured higher payouts under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The Bhoomi Adhigrahan Prabavit Manch (Land Acquisition Affected Forum) has sharply criticized the State government, accusing it of betraying the very people who voted them to power. “It is extremely unfortunate that the Congress government went to the Supreme Court instead of ensuring justice for the farmers,” said Forum President Beliram Kaundal in a press statement.

Here it is pertinent to mention that matter is yet under consideration with the apex court, as hearing continues on the next date.

The controversy stems from a 2015 notification issued by the state government, which applied only ‘Factor-1’ while calculating land compensation—resulting in a payout of double the market rate. However, the central Act allows for ‘Factor-2’ in rural areas, which would ensure up to four times the market rate as compensation.

Also read:Fair Land Compensation restored: HP High Court overturns 2015 rule

In May 2025, the Himachal Pradesh High Court struck down this notification, declaring it against the spirit of the 2013 Act and unjust toward rural landowners. The decision, delivered by Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja in a case involving Sunni Dam-affected residents, was hailed as a landmark victory for thousands of affected families across the state.

However, the Congress-led government moved the Supreme Court, which recently granted a stay on the High Court’s decision. “This one-sided stay has crushed the hopes of the common man and the farmer,” said Kaundal. “Instead of standing with the people, the government has gone to court against them.”

Forum Coordinator Joginder Walia added that both the current Congress and former BJP governments have failed the four-lane affected families. “In 2017, the BJP promised to apply Factor-2 for higher compensation, but nothing happened. In 2022, Congress campaigned on the same promise and won, but even after forming the government, they didn’t hold a single meeting on the issue,” Walia said.

He said that the stay order is a major setback, especially for rural farmers whose land was acquired at lower rates under the 2015 policy. “The High Court’s order gave people hope of fair compensation, but now that, too, has been taken away.”

The Forum has announced it will approach the Supreme Court along with affected families to seek dismissal of the government’s petition and reinstate the High Court order.

“This is not just a legal battle—it’s a fight for justice and dignity of Himachal’s farmers,” the Forum leaders declared.

Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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