Supreme Court Ruling to Simplify Land Acquisition Process
NEW DELHI: In a landmark decision aimed at curbing vexatious litigation surrounding land acquisition, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that the government’s sovereign powers cannot be undermined by the creation of third-party rights post-acquisition.
Key Highlights of the Ruling
A bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar emphasized that once land is acquired for public purposes, even the beneficiary public body cannot transfer land via private agreements. The government alone holds the authority to withdraw the acquisition of either the entire land or a portion of it.
Addressing Project Delays
The ruling is set to alleviate significant delays in project execution, particularly for national highways, which have suffered due to ongoing litigation related to acquired land. The Supreme Court’s decision is expected to streamline processes and enhance efficiency.
Case Background
This ruling stemmed from a case involving the acquisition of 33 acres near Narela-Bawana Road for the establishment of a grain market by the Delhi Agricultural Marketing Board. The court found that a private agreement made after the acquisition was an attempt to undermine the state’s sovereign power.
Conclusion
Justice Kumar stated that allowing such agreements would amount to permitting a fraud on the state’s exercise of its eminent domain powers. This decisive ruling reinforces the principle that public interests must prevail over private agreements in matters of land acquisition.
For those looking to stay informed about legal updates and land acquisition processes, visit Looffers.com for more insights and promotions!
