(2025:JHHC:13456) IN THE HIGH COURT OF JHARKHAND AT RANCHI W.P.(C) No. 3579 of 2023 1. Ravi Shankar Pandey, age 60 years, son of Ram Lakhan Pandey, resident of village-Bukru, P.O. Petu, P.S. Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 2. Bansidhar Yadav, Age 45 Years, Son of Mahavir Yadav, Resident of village- Bukru, P.O. - Petu, P.S. - Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 3. Rajendra Kumar Yadav, Age 32 years, Son of Santosh Yadav, Resident of village-Bukru, P.O. - Chatti Petu, P.S. Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 4. Narayan Yadav, Age 45 Years, Son of Magan Mahto, Resident of village- Bukru, P.O. Chatti Petu, P.S. Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 5. Krishna Yadav, Age 52 Years, Son of Magan Mahto, Resident of village Bukru, P.O. Chatti Petu, P.S.- Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). … Petitioners - Versus - 1. Union of India through the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi, P.O. Shastri Bhawan, P.S. Sansad Marg, District-Central Delhi (Delhi) 110001. 2. M/S Central Coal Fields Limited through its Chief Managing Director, Darbhanga House, Ranchi, P.O. G.P.O, P.S. Kotwali, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 3. General Manager (L & R), M/S Central Coal Fields Limited Headquarter at Darbhanga House, Ranchi, P.O. G.P.O, P.S. Kotwali, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 4. General Manager, Chandragupta Amrapali Area Akashdeep Building, Dakra, P.O. Dakra, P.S. Dakra, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 5. M/S Central Coal Field Limited through its General Manager at village- Honhe, P.O. Koad, P.S.- Tandwa, District-Chatra (Jharkhand) 825321. 6. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribag, P.O. Hazaribag, P.S. Hazaribag, District-Hazaribag. 7. The District Land Acquisition Officer, Hazaribag, P.O. Hazaribag, P.S. Hazaribag, District-Hazaribag. 8. The Deputy Commissioner, Chatra, P.O. Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District- Chatra. 9. The Land Acquisition Officer, Chatra, P.O. Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District- Chatra … Respondents WITH W.P.(C) No. 5012 of 2023 1. Bihari Paswan, age 51 years, son of Raj Mohan Paswan, resident of village-Sijhua, P.O.-Pachda, P.S. Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 2. Naresh Ram Paswan, Age 53 Years, Son of Mahadeo Ram, Resident of village-Sijhua, P.O. Pachda, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 3. Khiyali Kumar, Age 34 years, Son of Ramjit Sao, resident of village Pachda, P.O. Pachda, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 4. Tannu Kumar, Age 35 Years, Son of Late Mohar Sao, resident of village- Pachda, P.O. Pachda, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribag (Jharkhand). 5. Sanjay Kumar Paswan, Age 44 Years, Son of Baleshwar Paswan, resident of village-Sijhua, P.O.-Pachda, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribag, (Jharkhand). … Petitioners -2- - Versus - 1. Union of India through the Secretary, Ministry of Coal, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi, P.O. Shastri Bhawan, P.S. Sansad Marg, District-Central Delhi (Delhi) 110001. 2. M/S Central Coal Fields Limited through its Chief Managing Director, Darbhanga House, Ranchi, P.O. G.P.O, P.S. Kotwali, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 3. General Manager (L & R), M/S Central Coal Fields Limited Headquarter at Darbhanga House, Ranchi, P.O. G.P.O, P.S. Kotwali, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 4. General Manager (C.C.L.), Chandragupta Project, Amrapali Area Akashdeep Building, Dakra, P.O. Dakra, P.S. Dakra, District-Ranchi (Jharkhand). 5. M/S Central Coal Field Limited through its General Manager at village- Honhe, P.O. Koad, P.S. Tandwa, District-Chatra (Jharkhand) 825321. 6. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribag, P.O.-Hazaribag, P.S. Hazaribag, District-Hazaribag. 7. The District Land Acquisition Officer, Hazaribag, P.O. Hazaribag, P.S. Hazaribag, District-Hazaribag. 8. The Deputy Commissioner, Chatra, P.O. Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District- Chatra. 9. The Land Acquisition Officer, Chatra, P.O. Chatra, P.S. Chatra, District- Chatra. … Respondents WITH W.P.(C) No. 6969 of 2023 1. Yugal Rana, aged about 63 years, son of Late Chatru Rana, resident at Vill. & P.O.-Pachra, P.S.- Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 2. Bulak Rana, aged about 65 years, son of Late Jaglal Rana, resident at Vill- Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District - Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 3. Krishna Mohan Lal Rana, aged about 59 years, son of Chetlal Rana, resident at Vill.- Pachra, P.O.- Pachra, P.S.- Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 4. Kailash Narayan Rana, aged about 57 years, son of Chetlal Rana, resident at Vill.-Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 5. Gandauri Rana, aged about 65 years, son of Late Somar Rana, resident at Vill. Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 6. Shayam Sundar Kumar Gupta, aged about 53 years, son of Ramawtar Sahu, resident at Vill. Gadilong, P.O -Tandwa, P.S.-Tandwa, District - Chatra, Pin 825321. 7. Rajendra Kumar Paswan, aged about 45 years, son of Late Sidheshwar Paswan, by caste-S.C., resident at Vill.- Sijhuwa, P.O.-Pachda, P.S.- Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin -825321. 8. Jay Prakash Sahu, aged about 53 years, son of Late Bhuneswar Sahu, resident at Vill,-Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 9. Masomat Ketki, aged about 66 years, wife of Late Sidheshwar Paswan (Cast-SC), resident at Vill. -Sijhuwa, P.O.- Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District- Hazaribagh -Pin-825321. -3- 10. Md. Sharif Miyan, aged about 45 years, son of Late Kasim Miyan, resident at Vill.-Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 11. Sakendra Kr. Rana, aged about 36 years, son of Late Basudev Rana, resident at Vill.-Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 12. Lakhan Prajapati, aged about 55 years, son of Late Bhaglu Prajapati, resident at Vill. - Sijhuwa, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin -825321. 13. Koleshwar Ram, aged about 43 years, son of Late Langar Ram, by caste S.C., resident at Vill.- Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.- Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 14. Puran Saw, aged about 74 years, son of Late Bishun Saw, resident at Vill.-Pachra, P.Ο. -Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 15. Md. Ishak, aged about 53 years, son of Late Gaffur Miyan, resident at Vill. - Pachra, P.O.- Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 16. Bhadeshwar Saw, aged about 71 years, son of Late Charan Saw, resident at Vill.- Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District-: Hazaribagh, Pin- 825321. 17. Bandhu Prajapati, aged about 72 years, son of Late Bhalu Prajapati, resident at Vill. Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 18. Puspa Devi, aged about 46 years, Wife of Late Bhuneshwar Paswan, by caste S.C., resident at Vill.- Sijhuwa, P.O.- Pachra, P.S. Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321 19. Mala Saw, aged about 72 years, son of Late Uday Saw, resident at Vill. Pachra, P.O. -Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh 825321 20. Kuldip Sahu, aged about 42 years, son of Late Liladhar Sahu, resident at vill.-Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S.- Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 21. Prayag Rana, aged about 50 years, son of Late Sahdeo Rana, residentat Vill.- Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 22. Nirmal Saw, aged about 53 years, son of Late Tika Saw, resident at Vill.- Pachra, P.O. Pachra, P.S. -Keredari, District -Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 23. Pushan Dusad, aged about 68 years, son of Late Gopi Dusad, by caste S.C. resident at Vill.- Pachra, P.O.-Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 24. Kalim Uddin Miyan, aged about 75 years, son of Late Matan Miyan, resident at vill.-Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 25. Dev Charan Rana, aged about 56 years, son of Late Jagal Rana, resident at vill.- Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 26. Mugal Saw @ Megal Saw, aged about 64 years, son of Late Uganath Saw resident at vill. -Chatti Garilong P.O.-Tandwa, P.S- Tandwa, District- Chatra, Pin 825321. 27. Jagdish Saw, aged about 51 years, son of Late Thakur Saw, resident at vill. - Chatti Garilong, P.O.- Tandwa, P.S-Tandwa, District- Chatra, Pin 825321. 28. Baleshwar Saw, aged about 65 years, son of Late Genda Saw resident vill. Tandwa, Ρ.Ο. -Tandwa, P.S -Tandwa, District- Chatra, Pin 825321. -4- 29. Bikhu Saw, aged about 65 years, son of Late Ritu Saw resident Vill.- Tandwa, P.O.-Tandwa, P.S -Tandwa, District-Chatra, Pin 825321 30. Nirmal Prasad Yadav, aged about 49 years, son of Late Vifa Yadav resident vill.-Bukru, P.O. Peto, P.S-Keredari, District -Hzaribagh, Pin 825321. 31. Saimuna Khatoon, aged about 62 years, wife of Kalimuddin Miyan resident vill. -Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District -Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 32. Sajda Khatun, aged about 49 years, wife of Sharif Miyan resident vill.- Pachda, P.O.-Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 33. Baijnath Rana, aged about 51 years, Son of Late Chedi Rana resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 34. Bhikhan Rana, aged about 68 years, Son of Late Chedi Rana resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 35. Birju Mohan Rana, aged about 66 years, Son of Late Chedi Rana resident vill.- Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 36. Maneshwari Masomat, aged about 73 years, Wife of Bhuneshwar Sahu resident vil1.-Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S Keredari, District- Hazaribagh Pin, 825321. 37, Kabutri Devi, aged about 60 years, Wife of Bhadeshwar Saw resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S.- Keredari, District Hazaribagh Pin -825321 38. Gayatri Devi, aged about 67 years, Wife of Chetlal Rana resident vill. Pachda, P.O.-Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 39. Hiralal Rana, aged about 55 years, Son of Chetlal Rana resident vill. Pachda, P.O.-Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 40. Chetlal Rana, aged about 83 years, Son of Late Rangu Rana resident vill.-Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin-825321. 41. Khudeshwar Saw, aged about 57 years, Son of Late Gandori Saw resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin- 825321. 42. Dasrath Rana, aged about 73 years, Son of Late Budhan Rana resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 43. Chinta Devi, aged about 38 years, Wife of Mahesh Thakur resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 44. Ranjit Kumar Thakur, aged about 39 years, Son of Dhanu Thakur resident vill. Pachda, P.O. -Pachda, P.S-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 45. Bhola Rana, aged about 59 years, Son of Kesho Rana resident vill. Pachda, Ρ.Ο.-Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 46. Kauleshwari Devi, aged about 55 years, Wife of Puran Saw resident vill. Pachda, Ρ.Ο.-Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 47. Sumitra Devi, aged about 55 years, Wife of Nirmal Saw resident vill.- Pachda, P.O.- Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District-Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. 48. Rajendra Kumar, aged about 45 years, Son of Chetlal Rana resident vill.-Pachda, P.O.- Pachda, P.S -Keredari, District- Hazaribagh, Pin 825321. … Petitioners - Versus – -5- 1. Union of India through its Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shastri Bhawan Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, P.O. + P.S.-New Delhi, New Delhi- 110001. 2. The State of Jharkhand through its Chief Secretary, First Floor, Project Building, Dhurwa, P.O.+ P.S.- Dhurwa, Ranchi 834004, Jharkhand. 3. The Commissioner, North Chhotanagpur Division at District Hazaribagh, P.O.+P.S.- Sadar, Jharkhand 825301. 4. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribagh at District-Hazaribagh, P.O.+P.S.-Hazaribagh 825301, Jharkhand-825301. 5. Chairman-cum- Managing Director, Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O. and P.S.- Kanke, Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand. 6. Director Project (Chandragupt), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O. and P.S.- Kanke, Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand. 7. General Manger (L&R), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O. and P.S.- Kanke, Ranchi- 834001, Jharkhand. … Respondents WITH W.P.(C) No. 717 of 2024 1. Ruplal Saw, Aged about 73 years, Son of Late Mangar Saw, 2. Siban Saw, Aged about 60 years, Son of Late Mangar Saw, 3. Nema Saw, Aged about 66 years, Son of Late Mangar Saw, 4. Jhaman Saw, Aged about 55 years, son of Late Saphun Saw, 5. Narayan Saw, Aged about 58 years, Son of Late Saphun Saw, 6. Sahdev Saw, Aged about 51 years, Son of Late Saphun Saw, 7. Jivalal Saw, Aged about 56 years, Son of Late Saphun Saw, 8. Mohani Devi, Aged about 76 years, Wife of Ruplal Saw, 9. Tetri Devi; Aged about 61 years, Wife of Nema Saw, 10. Kaushilaya Devi, Aged about 53 years, Wife of Jhaman Saw, 11. Damni Devi @ Dubhani Devi, Aged about 56 years, Wife of Narayan Saw, 12. Dulari Devi, Aged about 50 years, Wife of Jivalal Saw 13. Lalita Kumari, Aged about 33 years, Wife of Kuldeep Kumar Saw, 14. Savitri Kumari, Aged about 34 years, Wife of Mahendra Saw, 15. Kamla Devi, Aged about 43 years, Wife of Jageshwar Saw, All Resident of Village Pachara, P.O. & P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh. … Petitioners - Versus - 1. Union of India through its Secretary, Ministry of Coal, A wing, Shastri Bhawan, P.O.- Shastri Bhawan, P.S. Sansad Marg, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi 110001. 2. The State of Jharkhand through its Chief Secretary, First Floor, Project Building, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, District- Ranchi - 834004, Jharkhand. 3. The Commissioner, North Chhotanagpur Division at Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S.- Hazaribagh, District-Hazaribagh, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand-825301. 4. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribagh at Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S. Hazaribagh, District-Hazaribagh, PO+PS- Hazaribagh 825301, Jharkhand- 825301. 5. M/S Central Coalfields Ltd., through its Chief Managing Director, At Darbhanga House, P.O.-G.P.O., P.S. Kotwali, District- Ranchi- 834001, -6- Jharkhand. 6. Director Project (Chandragupt), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O.- G.P.O., P.S.-Kotwali, District- Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand. 7. General Manger (L&R), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O.- G.P.O., P.S.- Kotwali, District-Ranchi- 834001, Jharkhand. 8. District Land Acquisition Officer, Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S. Hazaribagh, District- Hazaribagh. … Respondents WITH W.P.(C) No. 6561 of 2024 1. Krishna Kumar Mahto, Aged about 26 years, Son of Jhari Mahto, 2. Suresh Mahto, Aged about 38 years, Son of Pachchu Mahto, 3. Sohar Mahto, Aged about 51 years, Son of Laldev Mahto, 4. Hiraman Mahto, Aged about 41 years, Son of Pachu Mahto, 5. Injari Devi, Aged about 73 years, Wife of Bulak Mahto, All are Resident of Village Nowakhap, P.O.- Pachra, P.S.-Keredari, District- Hazaribagh. … Petitioners - Versus - 1. Union of India through its Secretary, Ministry of Coal, A wing, Shastri Bhawan, P.O.- Shastri Bhawan, P.S. Sansad Marg, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi 110001. 2. The State of Jharkhand through its Chief Secretary, First Floor, Project Building, P.O. & P.S. Dhurwa, District- Ranchi - 834004, Jharkhand. 3. The Commissioner, North Chhotanagpur Division at Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S.- Hazaribagh, District-Hazaribagh, Jharkhand-825301. 4. The Deputy Commissioner, Hazaribagh at Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S. Hazaribagh, District-Hazaribagh, 825301, Jharkhand-825301. 5. M/S Central Coalfields Ltd., through its Chief Managing Director, At Darbhanga House, P.O.-G.P.O., P.S. Kotwali, District- Ranchi- 834001, Jharkhand. 6. Director Project (Chandragupt), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O.- G.P.O., P.S.-Kotwali, District- Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand. 7. General Manger (L&R), Central Coalfields Ltd. At Darbhanga House, Opposite Raj Bhavan, Aryapuri, Indrapuri Colony, P.O.- G.P.O., P.S.- Kotwali, District-Ranchi- 834001, Jharkhand. 8. District Land Acquisition Officer, Hazaribagh, P.O. & P.S. Hazaribagh, District- Hazaribagh. … Respondents ------ CORAM: - HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE AMBUJ NATH ----- For the Petitioners : Mr. Jitesh Kumar, Advocate : Mr. Ajay Kumar Trivedi, Advocate : Mr. Rakesh Kumar Trivedi, Advocate : Ms. Deepa Kumari, Advocate : Manish Kumar, Advocate For the U.O.I. : Mr. Anil Kumar, A.S.G.I. : Mr. Awanish Ranjan Mishra, CGC : Mrs. Nitu Sinha, C.G.C. -7- : Mrs. Khushboo Kataruka, Advocate : Mrs. Ushma Pandey, Advocate For the Resp. Nos.2 to 5 : Mr. Saumya Pandey, Advocate (in W.P.(C) No.5012 of 23) For the Resp. Nos. 5 to 7 : Mr. M. B. Lal, Advocate (in W.P.(C) No.717 of 2024) For the Resp.-CCL : Mr. A. K. Das, Advocate : Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh, Advocate : Mr. Sharan Toppo, Advocate : Ms. Nalini Jha, Advocate : Mr. Saumya Pandey, Advocate ….. 06/02.05.2025 The issue raised in all these writ petitions are same and similar. Accordingly, they are being disposed of by a common order. Heard the parties. The writ petitioners have filed these writ applications for issuance of necessary direction(s) to the respondents to make payment of compensation at the present market value under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 to the land losers of the villages (1) Chattibartiatu, (2) Jordag (3) Nawakhap (4) Pachda (5) Sijhua, (6) Ursu and (7) Bukru as their land have been acquired for the purposes of mining coal for its use by M/s Central Coalfields Limited with a further direction to the respondents to determine the valuation of house, land (agricultural or residential) and other fixtures at the rate under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and Jharkhand Land Acquisition Rules, 2015. Learned counsels appearing on behalf of the respondents have filed counter affidavit and have admitted that if the petitioners will appear before the competent authority individually and file a fresh claim, their claim will be considered in the light of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 and Jharkhand Land Acquisition Rules, 2015. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioners have stated that they have opted for receipt of compensation under the new Act. -8- In view of these submissions made on behalf of both the parties, all these writ applications are disposed of with a direction to the writ petitioners to appear before the competent authority individually and file their claim along with documents for payment of compensation as per the new Act. On receipt of such applications, the respondents shall dispose of the applications of the petitioners as expeditiously as possible. These writ petitions are disposed of. Pending I.A. if any, also stands disposed of. (Ambuj Nath, J.) Jay/-