Bhargava & Associates Pvt. Ltd. & Ors. v. Union of India & Ors.
Background
This order does not decide the main case. Land owners sought a declaration that the acquisition of their land had lapsed under Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Two connected appeals were heard together.
Decision Breakdown
This is not a final decision on the main case. The Court disposed of the appeals without entering on the merits. It gave the land owners liberty to seek the benefit of Section 24(2) before the appropriate forum within eight weeks. It also gave them liberty to revive the appeals if that outcome goes against them.
Lesson Learnt
There is no final ruling yet on whether the acquisition lapsed under Section 24(2). The land owners must pursue that claim afresh before the appropriate forum within the time allowed.