Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling to Accelerate Infrastructure Projects by Streamlining Land Acquisition
Supreme Court Ruling: A Game Changer for Infrastructure Projects
NEW DELHI: The recent ruling by the Supreme Court, which declares the creation of third-party rights through private agreements on land parcels after acquisition as illegal, is set to significantly expedite government-led infrastructure projects in sectors like highways, railways, irrigation, and power.
Addressing the Land Acquisition Bottleneck
Delays in land acquisition have long been a major cause of time and cost overruns in infrastructure initiatives. The process often becomes convoluted and lengthy when disputes arise, especially when landowners attempt to create third-party rights or seek rehabilitation through legal channels. This issue has been highlighted in various government reports and discussions, including those chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
A senior official from the infrastructure ministry stated, “Once the land acquisition issue is resolved, projects can be put on fast-track mode. Most highway projects that are delayed or stuck are due to land acquisition and forest clearance issues.”
Proposed Amendments for Enhanced Clarity
The Ministry of Road Transport, which is responsible for the majority of land acquisitions among government entities, has proposed amendments to the National Highways Act. These amendments aim to prevent any transactions or encumbrances on land from the date of publication of the notification until the acquisition process is completed.
The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, reinforces this, stating, “No person shall make any transaction or cause any transaction of land specified in the preliminary notification or create any encumbrances on such land from the date of publication of such notification till such time as the proceedings are completed.”
Conclusion
This Supreme Court order will further streamline the land acquisition process, aiding in the rapid execution of critical infrastructure projects. For more updates on infrastructure developments and smart solutions, visit Looffers.com.
