By Cameron Lucadou-Wells
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A Dandenong grocer has landed a blow for fellow Little India tenants after winning a Supreme Court fight for compensation against state government authority Places Victoria.
Samir Obeid — who leased a grocery in Mason Street, Dandenong — had his business ‘‘effectively destroyed’’ when Places Victoria compulsorily acquired the property in 2008, a spokesman for Obeid’s solicitors Rennick & Gaynor said.
Places Victoria had argued that as a tenant, Mr Obeid had no claim for compensation.
On Monday, Justice Anthony Cavanough in the Supreme Court found Mr Obeid was entitled to be compensated for his loss.
The spokesman for Mr Obeid’s solicitors said VicUrban used its power to purchase properties privately to ‘‘limit its liability for compensation, particularly to tenants’’.
‘‘Over the years since [2008] VicUrban has overseen substantial demolition and redevelopment of the precinct. The value of Mr Obeid’s business was effectively destroyed by VicUrban for the purpose of the scheme.’’
It is believed five other Little India tenants were backing Mr Obeid’s case, and will benefit from the decision.
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