Supreme Court refuses stay probe into NICE Road project

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has declined to put an interim stay on the Karnataka High Court order directing an independent investigation and forensic audit into alleged irregularities linked to the NICE Road project.

The NICE organisation had challenged the High Court’s order before the apex court, seeking immediate relief. A two-judge Bench headed by Justice Sanjay Kumar heard the matter. NICE’s counsel argued that about 25 per cent of the project had already been completed and that nearly 1,100 acres of land had been utilised. The court was also informed that compensation had been paid to farmers whose land was acquired for the project.

Seeking suspension of the High Court directions, the organisation argued that the ongoing proceedings could affect the project. As an alternative, it sought an order maintaining status quo until the appeal was decided. The plea was opposed by lawyers representing affected farmers. They submitted that the landowners had not received fair compensation despite the dispute continuing for more than 23 years. The farmers’ counsel alleged that their land had been used for a prolonged period and claimed that several irregularities had taken place in connection with the project.With the Supreme Court refusing interim relief, the Karnataka High Court’s directions for an independent probe and forensic audit remain in operation. The case assumes significance amid renewed political debate in Karnataka over the NICE Road project and allegations concerning land acquisition, compensation and implementation. The apex court’s decision is also being closely watched by farmers and other stakeholders involved in the long-running dispute.