Lands are acquired for various purposes. The sufferings experienced by the land owners cannot be explained. They should be experienced.

Science and Rules

It is a plain and simple fact that all books in science/technology/mathematics are written in simple languages. So, those interested in the subject can follow it or seek clarification from the experts. But in the case of law the structure of sentences is quite confusing. Sentences are not written in plain and simple sentences. So, even Judges differ in opinions.

As far as the Land Acquisition Rules are concerned, even the omnipresent, omnipotent and omniscient Almighty cannot reach at a clear idea. Quite often, God will have to seek further clarifications from any legal luminary!

Unlimited exploitations

Ignorant land owners are exploited in large numbers. Complication of rules results in exploitation.

Let it be people friendly

The land acquisition rules should be people friendly. No land owner should suffer when the lands are acquired. In many cases compensations are not directly paid. The compensations are deposited in courts. The deposited amounts bear no interest. Land owners have to obtain the support of advocates to get back the deposited sum.

Callousness of officials

From my experience, I can say that the vast majority of Revenue staff in Kannur district is non-corrupt and dedicated. But there some others who are not like that. As goes the phrase, ‘A rotten apple spoils the whole barrel’, some officers are not at all sensitive to the problems of the people.

I want promotion and pension

Normally, a lower division clerk in the revenue department has a chance to get promotion up to the rank of a Deputy collector by virtue of service seniority and qualifying in departmental tests. The promotion fever reaches the peak as soon as one becomes a Tehsildar. His/her next aim is to be a Deputy Collector.

Some Tehsildars are worried of punishments. So they avoid taking risks. Some are reluctant in taking decisions. So files are pending for a long time. This results in the sufferings of the people. A coward Tehsildar is worse than a corrupt one. I have quite often heard some cowards saying "I want promotion and pension. So, I cannot take decision in the matter!"

Tehsildars and Land Acquisition Works

In Kerala, the land acquisition works are mainly entrusted to the offices of Tehsildars. They are known as Special Tehsildars. Actually a Special Tehsildar is very powerful in the matter of Land Acquisition. A Special Tehsildar is literally a Judge. Compensations are paid after passing awards in Land Acquisition files. Award is a Judgement.

Since the Land Acquisition Rules give enormous powers to a Special Tehsildar, an unethical and corrupt Special Tehsildar can harass the land owners beyond limit. A cruel Special Tehsildar can ruin the life of a land owner by depositing the compensation in court on any flimsy ground. No Special Tehsildar can be hanged to death on the ground of such cold-blooded cruelties.