Powers to take possession

Section 19 of the Maharashtra Highways Act deals with powers to take possession. Where any land has been vested in the State Government under sub-section (2) of section 18, and the amount determined by the Land Acquisition Officer under section 19B with respect to such land has been deposited under sub-section (1) of section 19C with the Land Acquisition Officer by the State Gov The Act was enacted on 22 Dec 1955.

(1) Where any land has been vested in the State Government under sub-section (2) of section 18, and the amount determined by the Land Acquisition Officer under section 19B with respect to such land has been deposited under sub-section (1) of section 19C with the Land Acquisition Officer by the State Government, the Land Acquisition Officer may by notice in writing direct the owner as well as any other person who may be in possession of such land to surrender or deliver possession thereof to the Land Acquisition Officer or any person duly authorised by him in this behalf within sixty days of the service of the notice.

(2) if any person refuses or fails to comply with any direction made under sub-section (1), the Land Acquisition Officer shall apply-

(a) in case of the land situated in any area falling within the metropolitan area to the Commissioner of Police;

(b) in case of the land situated in any area other than the area referred to in clause (a), to the Collector of a District ; and

such Commissioner or Collector, as the case may be, shall enforce the surrender of the land, to the Land Acquisition Officer or to the person duly authorised by him.

Section 19, The Maharashtra Highways Act (Act 55 of 1955).