The Supreme Court has called for the presence of senior Army officials from the Western Command and the NHAI project director to discuss the ongoing dispute concerning the land acquisition for the Ambala ring road project in Haryana. The top court, led by Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, has scheduled the interaction for March 20, planning to meet with the officials in chambers due to the project’s implications for the Army and national security.
The dispute reached the Supreme Court following an appeal by Vinod Kumar Sharma, who contested the August 2023 decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The high court had dismissed a series of writ petitions challenging the notification for land acquisition intended for the ring road project. Sharma’s plea highlights concerns over the acquisition of a portion of his land for the development.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), informed the court that only part of Sharma’s property is required for the project. This clarification comes as the Supreme Court seeks to address the broader implications and concerns raised by the landowners affected by the proposed infrastructure development.
The ring road project is deemed crucial for easing traffic and enhancing connectivity in the region.
