The Bombay High Court Slams Thane Dy Collector for ₹12 Cr Compensation Blunder

The Bombay High Court has come down strongly on the Thane Deputy Collector (Land Acquisition) for disbursing nearly ₹12.74 crore in compensation to six agriculturalists who allegedly submitted false ownership claims. The court has now ordered disciplinary action against the official for bypassing established legal procedures in this high-value land dispute.

A division bench comprising Justice MS Sonak and Justice Jitendra Jain was hearing the matter when it discovered the Deputy Collector had violated a government resolution (GR) mandating a four-week waiting period before compensation could be disbursed in apportionment proceedings. Yet, the Deputy Collector delivered an order on April 21 and disbursed the funds by April 29 — in just eight days.

Apportionment in such cases involves dividing compensation among multiple parties with varying claims to the land. The Bombay High Court criticized the official’s overreach, pointing out that he was not authorized to resolve ownership disputes in the first place.

In his affidavit, the Deputy Collector claimed he proceeded with the disbursal as there was no stay order from a higher authority. The court, however, dismissed this reasoning, emphasizing that ownership was contested and that such matters must be referred to competent legal bodies.

Further complicating the issue, the court learned that the recipients of the ₹12 crore had quickly moved the funds to relatives, invested in gold and real estate, and made significant cash withdrawals. The court has now ordered these individuals to deposit all money and assets within their control back to the court. Additionally, the Income Tax Department has been notified of the suspicious cash activity.