Under the National Highways Act, 1956, the government cannot reduce the area of acquired land or change the compensation determined without following the required legal process.

This Court in the light of the conclusions arrived at supra, is of the considered opinion that the respondents have no power to reduce the extent of land and determine the compensation in respect of the same. Therefore, the Notification dated 11.10.2022 is declared as illegal, lacking in statutory power or authority and is accordingly set aside.Accordingly, the Writ Petition is partly allowed. The authorities shall take necessary action in the matter for issuing fresh Notification under Section 3G of the Act in consonance with the Notification issued under Section 3A of the Act and determine the compensation payable to the petitioners in accordance with Law.