High Court schedules January 20 for case management in Duta Enclave compensation case between Semantan Estate and the government
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has scheduled January 20 for case management in the assessment of damages the government must pay Semantan Estate (1952) Sdn Bhd.
Judge Roslan Mat Nor fixed the date during proceedings attended by federal counsel Nur Zul Izzati Zulkipli and Semantan Estate’s lawyer Janet Chai Pei Wing.
The Federal Court dismissed Semantan Estate’s application for leave to appeal on November 13, upholding the Court of Appeal’s decision that the Federal Land Registrar need not transfer the 263.272-acre Duta Enclave title to the company.
The Court of Appeal’s June 24 ruling determined Semantan Estate is not entitled to the land title but deserves adequate compensation based on the land’s 1956 value when the government took possession.
The disputed Duta Enclave property in prime Jalan Duta area hosts several government buildings including the National Hockey Stadium and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Academy.
Semantan Estate’s legal battle began in 2003 when it sued the government over alleged unlawful land acquisition.
Judicial Commissioner Zura Yahya ruled in Semantan Estate’s favor in 2009, finding the government unlawfully acquired the land and the company held beneficial interest.
The Court of Appeal later overturned the High Court’s August 2022 order directing the Federal Land Registrar to transfer the land within three months.
The appellate court also ordered the RM1.325 million paid by the government in 1956 deducted from the compensation and directed both parties to engage valuation experts within 90 days from June 24.
The Federal Court granted Semantan Estate a stay of the Court of Appeal’s decision on August 28 pending its leave to appeal application. – Bernama
