Compensation for Demolished Houses Must Be Recovered From Erring Officials, Not State: Jharkhand High Court

The Jharkhand High Court directed the registration of FIRs and investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau against officials responsible for allowing illegal constructions and encroachments on land acquired for the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS).

The Court held that residents whose houses were later demolished due to such encroachments are entitled to compensation.

However, it clarified that the compensation must be recovered from the erring officials and builders who permitted or facilitated the illegal constructions, and not from the State exchequer.

The Court also ordered initiation of departmental proceedings to fix accountability. The matter is listed for further hearing.

[Jyoti Sharma v. State of Jharkhand]