Sakti, Chhattisgarh |: In a significant legal development, a group of land-displaced families affected by the Vedanta Power Plant in Singhitarai, Sakti district, has filed a Contempt of Court petition before the Chhattisgarh High Court against Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal and three government officials, alleging non-compliance with the High Court’s earlier directions regarding rehabilitation benefits.
The petition names Anil Agarwal, Revenue and Disaster Management Secretary Shammi Abidi (IAS), Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno (IAS), and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Dabhra, as respondents.
Dispute Traces Back to 2008 Land Acquisition
The case relates to the Vedanta Power Plant located in Singhitarai village of Sakti district. The project was originally established as the Athena Power Plant.
According to the petition, nearly 1,000 acres of land from surrounding villages were acquired in 2008 for setting up the thermal power project. More than 800 families reportedly surrendered their agricultural land for the project.
The affected families contend that under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007, every eligible displaced family was entitled to either employment or a financial subsistence allowance. They allege that these benefits were never provided.
Plant Shut Down, Later Acquired by Vedanta
According to the petition, the Athena Power Plant began operations in 2013 but ceased operations in 2016 after facing financial difficulties.
In 2022, the facility was acquired by the Vedanta Group, which resumed commercial operations of the power plant in 2025.
The petitioners allege that despite the restart of the plant, more than 400 displaced families have still not received employment opportunities or the rehabilitation allowance mandated under government policy.
They further claim that they have been waiting for their rehabilitation benefits for over 13 years.
Earlier High Court Directions
The dispute has been pending before the judiciary for several years.
According to the petitioners, 37 affected families approached the Chhattisgarh High Court in 2021, seeking implementation of their rehabilitation rights.
Approximately two years later, the High Court reportedly directed the State Government and the district administration to take appropriate steps for resolving the matter.
Following the court’s directions, a committee constituted by the district administration allegedly instructed the plant management to provide the prescribed allowance to all eligible land-displaced families.
However, the petitioners claim that the directions were never implemented, prompting them to initiate contempt proceedings.
Collector Had Also Issued Instructions
The petition further states that nearly two months ago, Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno again instructed the power plant management to comply with the High Court’s directions and release the rehabilitation allowance to eligible beneficiaries.
Despite these instructions, the petitioners allege that no effective action has been taken, leading them to file the Contempt of Court petition.
District Administration Says Efforts Are Ongoing
Responding to the controversy, Sakti Collector Amrit Vikas Topno stated that after the High Court’s order, the district administration had formally directed the plant management to ensure payment of the prescribed rehabilitation allowance to eligible land-displaced families.
He said the district administration continues to work toward resolving the dispute and facilitating compliance with the court’s directions.
Court Yet to Hear the Contempt Petition
The Contempt of Court petition is now pending before the Chhattisgarh High Court.
The allegations made by the petitioners have not yet been adjudicated by the Court, and the respondents—including Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal and the concerned government officials—will have an opportunity to submit their responses during the judicial proceedings.
Key Highlights
- Contempt petition filed against Vedanta Chairman Anil Agarwal and three government officials.
- Petition relates to the alleged non-compliance with High Court directions on rehabilitation benefits.
- The dispute stems from the 2008 acquisition of nearly 1,000 acres of land for the power project.
- More than 800 families were reportedly affected, with 400+ families allegedly still awaiting employment or financial assistance.
- Petitioners claim benefits under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Policy, 2007 have remained unfulfilled.
- The Chhattisgarh High Court is yet to hear the contempt petition, and the allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
