Spending crores on Republic Day, but only filing appeals for 'farmers compensation': SC to Modi govt

New Delhi, Feb 12: Narendra Modi government is seriously going through tough time at present. After big setback in Delhi election where BJP was crushed by fledgling Aam Aadmi Party, now the Supreme Court has reprimanded the government.

The Court expressed its displeasure over the way BJP government provided land acquisition compensation to farmers in Punjab.

The apex court criticised the Government for filing appeals in several matters, particularly on issues relating to compensation to farmers on land acquisition.

"You spend Rs 100 crores on Republic Day parade but when it comes to payment of compensation to farmers, you file appeals," a bench headed by Chief Justice H L Dattu observed while declining to interfere with the compensation awarded by the Punjab and Haryana High Court to farmers foracquisition of their lands.

The apex court was hearing an appeal filed by the Defence Ministry on granting of compensation to farmers on land acquisition in cantonment areas in Punjab.

The court also expressed its displeasure over the Centre not coming upto the expectations in providing enough infrastructure for the functioning of tribunals.

"If you are unable to provide accommodation, why create such tribunals," the bench, also comprising Justices A K Sikri and Arun Mishra, asked.

"I am anguished that you are pushing them (Judges) to Commonwealth village. Why different treatment for them? You must create infrastructure before creating tribunals," the CJI said, while referring to the case of a retired Supreme Court Judge who was appointed to head a tribunal but not provided accommodation.

OneIndia
(With inputs from PTI)