In a dramatic turn of events, court staff on Thursday impounded an official vehicle attached to the Kalaburagi Deputy Commissioner’s office for non-payment of compensation in a long-pending land acquisition case related to the setting up of a sewage treatment plant (WTP) near Nandikur town on the outskirts of Kalaburagi town.
The order was issued by Chief Senior Civil Judge KS Rotter in connection with the delayed payment of compensation as directed by the court. The vehicle (KA 32 G 9990) was attached after failure to comply with earlier orders.
According to sources, when the bailiffs arrived to carry out the impoundment, the driver of the car initially refused to hand over the keys. Bailiffs then arranged for a tow truck to remove the car, after which the keys were released.
Senior officials including Municipal Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner rushed to the spot and discussed with the petitioner’s lawyer.
The case dates back nearly two decades. In 2005, around 30 acres of land was acquired near Nandikur for setting up a sewage treatment plant. Among those affected was Prakash Malkappa, a farmer who lost two acres of land and was reportedly paid only about ₹100,000 as compensation at the time.
The farmer disputed the compensation and went to court. The court subsequently ordered the payment of ₹6 million as compensation for the two acres. However, the amount was not paid, leading to a lawsuit.
Expressing displeasure over the non-compliance and non-cooperation during the seizure process, the court directed the authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner, to take steps to pay the compensation by March 12.
The vehicle was later released on parole subject to court orders.
Published – 26 Feb 2026 20:29 IST
