HARISH TANDON,J. - (1.) There is a checkered history of the instant case. The Petitioner is challenging the action of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation fixing the compensation amount for the land acquired for widening the public road and ascertaining the area of land actually taken for such purposes. The facts, which emanate from the Writ Petition, are adumbrated hereinbelow.
(2.) The Petitioners are the co-sharers of Premises No. 20, Seven Tanks Lane, Kolkata - 700 030. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation acquired a considerable portion of a land from the said premises in the year 1996 / 97. Subsequently, the Petitioners along with the other co-owners, who are Respondent Nos. 6, 7, 8 herein requested the Corporation to disclose the area of plot of land and also to pay compensation amount. The Corporation responded to the said query and asked the owners of the said premises to submit relevant documents relating the title of the said premises. It was further indicated therein that the said premises was acquired for the purpose of widening of the road, which is for public benefits.
(3.) The Petitioners stated that they would produce all the relevant documents touching the title of the said property and further requested the Commissioner of the Corporation to provide the details of the acquisition and payment of compensation. The Mayor-in-Council vide letter dated 19.07.1999 addressed to the owner of the said premises, replied that the matter relating to payment of compensation by the Corporation is under process and expected to be completed within a month. There was a complete silence from the end of the Petitioner for nearly 8 to 10 months until a letter was caused on 31st May, 2000 reiterating the earlier stand and demanding the details of the area acquired by the Corporation for widening the road and the quantum of compensation.;