Hyderabad, April 2026: The Telangana High Court has granted relief to families displaced due to the widening of National Highway 563 (Karimnagar–Warangal stretch), directing authorities to consider their claims for rehabilitation and resettlement (R&R) benefits within eight weeks.
Court Recognises Right to R&R Benefits
A bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin ruled that affected families are entitled to R&R benefits under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act, 2013, even though the land was acquired under the National Highways Act.
The court observed that denying such benefits was not legally sustainable, a position also conceded by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Background of the Case
The petitioners, including farmers from Elkathurthy in Hanumakonda district, approached the court after:
- Their houses were demolished for the highway expansion
- They received compensation for land and structures
- But were denied additional R&R benefits
They argued that despite compensation, they were left without shelter and support mechanisms.
Relief Measures Allowed by Court
The High Court permitted the displaced families to:
- Submit fresh representations to the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO)
- Seek temporary shelter arrangements while claims are processed
Earlier Order Set Aside
The bench also set aside a previous single-judge order that had directed the petitioners to seek arbitration, clarifying that arbitration can only occur after an initial decision on compensation and entitlements.
Impact of the Ruling
The judgment is significant because it:
- Reinforces legal protection for displaced families
- Clarifies that R&R benefits apply even in highway projects
- Strengthens the role of the 2013 Land Acquisition Act in ensuring fair rehabilitation
