Veterinarian Dr. Steve Surujbally has filed a $100m lawsuit against the State, which he says ought to compensate him adequately for his land compulsorily acquired for the gas to shore project.
Arguing that he is being deprived his property, thus violating his guaranteed constitutional right, Surujbally (The Applicant), is asking the High Court to declare that the State’s failure in making “prompt payment of adequate compensation” for the acquisition of his land is unlawful.
He cites Article 142 (1) of the Constitution and section 7 (1) of the Acquisition of Lands for Public Purposes Act which he says respectively protects against being deprived of his land; and for which therefore he should be sufficiently compensated.