Semantan Estate sues government over land ownership and compensation claims

Semantan Estate, undergoing members’ voluntary liquidation, lodged a statement of claim in the High Court, maintaining it remains the beneficial owner of a sizable estate despite earlier judgments that prevented it from regaining possession or title. The suit, filed by law firm AG Kalidas Doris & Nada and led by liquidator Jim Lai, targets the federal government, the federal lands commissioner and five senior land officials.

The company contends the government took control of the land between 1956 and 1958 for a diplomatic enclave but later used it for offices, cultural and commercial facilities, roads and other infrastructure. It argues that Putrajaya holds the title in trust and should be ordered to sell the property and account for the proceeds, rejecting compensation based on the 1956 valuation of roughly RM1.58 million. Additional relief sought includes equitable compensation for alleged breach of trust, damages under Article 13 of the Federal Constitution, and restitution for the government's continued use of the land. The case proceeds to a case-management hearing before High Court judge Anand Ponnudurai on Nov 3.