Pune: In a significant development, the Pune District and Sessions Court ordered the seizure of office equipment, including the chair, computer, and fan of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) Project Director Sanjay Kadam, after he failed to release the court-mandated ₹1.39 crore compensation to a farmer whose land was acquired for the Pune-Nashik Highway bypass project.

The court order was executed on Friday (February 21) at the Pune-Warje office of the NHAI by a court bailiff in the presence of farmer Seema Sudam Lendwe, whose 23 gunthas (0.57 acres) of land in Nigotwadi, Manchar (Tal. Ambegaon) was acquired for the highway expansion project.

Lendwe’s land was acquired for the Pune-Nashik highway bypass road, but she was initially granted lower compensation. Seeking a fair amount, she filed a legal claim through Advocate Pallavi Potnis, demanding additional compensation.

On August 30, 2022, the arbitration tribunal ruled in her favor, approving the revised compensation. However, despite repeated follow-ups, NHAI officials failed to deposit the amount. As a result, District Judge K.P. Kshirsagar, on October 23, 2024, issued an order for asset seizure to enforce the payment.

Court Bailiffs Execute Seizure Warrant

Following the court directive, on Friday (21st), bailiffs arrived at the NHAI Pune-Warje office to enforce the order. Upon their arrival, NHAI officials attempted to delay the action, offering verbal assurances that the compensation would soon be deposited in court. However, with no official commitment, the bailiff proceeded to confiscate the Project Director’s chair, computer, and other office equipment.

"The seizure was carried out as the compensation amount was not deposited despite multiple court orders. The confiscated materials will now be presented before the court," said Advocate Gaurav Potnis, representing Lendwe.

The case has highlighted delays in compensation payments to farmers whose lands were acquired for the Pune-Nashik Highway project. Many other affected farmers, despite court orders in their favor, are still awaiting compensation from NHAI.

"This is not an isolated case. Several farmers have been denied rightful compensation despite legal directives. Along with affected farmers, I will meet Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari to raise this issue," said Dilip Medge, Engineer and Coordinator of the Pune-Nashik National Highway project.

Meanwhile, attempts to reach NHAI Project Director Sanjay Kadam for a response were unsuccessful.