Court Seals Railway Deputy Chief Engineer’s Office in Agartala Over Non-Payment of Rs.60 Lakh Compensation

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, February 24, 2026

In a significant development highlighting growing concerns over non-compliance with judicial orders, a local court in Agartala on Monday ordered the sealing of the office of the Deputy Chief Engineer of Indian Railways at Agartala Railway Station. The action was taken following repeated failure by railway authorities to comply with court directives regarding payment of compensation in a long-pending land acquisition case.

According to legal sources, the order was issued by the Land Acquisition (LA) Judge of Agartala after Indian Railways failed to pay approximately Rs. 60 lakh as compensation to the management of Mekhlipara Tea Garden.

The dispute dates back to 2003, when land belonging to Mekhlipara Tea Garden was acquired for the construction of railway tracks. However, the tea garden authorities did not receive the compensation amount. Subsequently, the manager of the tea estate, AK Biswas, approached the court seeking rightful payment.

After prolonged legal proceedings, the court in 2019 delivered its judgment directing the railway department to clear the compensation amount of nearly Rs.60 lakh. Despite the verdict, the dues remained unpaid.

With no payment forthcoming even after the court’s ruling, the tea garden management again moved the court in 2023 seeking enforcement of the order. The court reportedly issued multiple reminders and directives to the railway authorities, but compliance was not ensured.

Following continued non-compliance, court officials on Monday visited the office of the Deputy Chief Engineer at Agartala Railway Station and formally sealed the premises in execution of the court’s order. The office was locked in the presence of court staff as part of legal attachment proceedings.

Legal officials stated that the office will remain sealed until the compensation amount is paid. It is further understood that if the railway authorities fail to clear the dues before the next hearing, the court may proceed with the sale of attached railway properties to recover the compensation amount.

The incident has sparked discussions in legal and administrative circles about the declining adherence to court directives, particularly by government departments. Observers note that strict enforcement measures such as attachment and sealing of offices underscore the judiciary’s determination to uphold the rule of law.

Further proceedings in the case are awaited.

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