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Bhule Ram v. Union of India

Civil Appeal · Neutral citation not assigned (Civil Appeal No. 6251 of 2010)Decided 28 Mar 2014
Civil Appeal No. 6251 of 2010
Justice B.S. Chauhan · Justice J. Chelameswar

Background

A Delhi landowner sought Rs. 10 lakh per acre for land acquired for an ash pond, after the High Court enhanced compensation to Rs. 6.51 lakh per acre. He relied on higher rates awarded for nearby villages, although the evidence showed different locations and advantages.

Decision Breakdown

The Court dismissed the appeal and the connected matters. Compensation depends on the acquired land's characteristics and value at the notification date, and land in neighbouring villages is not automatically comparable. The relied-on properties enjoyed road access and development advantages that were not established for this land, and no adequate site plan or other evidence bridged that difference. The High Court had already granted the comparable same-village rate requested before it, leaving no evidentiary basis for further enhancement.

Lesson Learnt

To seek another property's compensation rate, show comparable location, quality and potential with evidence; nearby land or acquisition under the same project does not guarantee equal value.

Official source (sci.gov.in)View Judgment (PDF)

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