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Delhi Development Authority v. Rajesh Kumar Yadav alias Rajesh Yadav and Ors.

Civil Appeal · Neutral citation not assigned (Civil Appeal No. 8672 of 2016)Decided 31 Aug 2016
Civil Appeal No. 8672 of 2016
Justice Kurian Joseph · Justice C. Nagappan

Background

DDA's acquisition proceedings over Rajesh Kumar Yadav's land had not resulted in possession being taken or compensation being paid by the time the 2013 land acquisition law came into force. The High Court held the acquisition had lapsed under Section 24(2), and DDA appealed.

Decision Breakdown

The Supreme Court held the issue was already decided against DDA in its companion judgment, Civil Appeal No.8477 of 2016, and dismissed the appeal, confirming the lapse. It gave DDA one year to initiate fresh acquisition proceedings through a new Section 11 notification, failing which DDA, if in possession, had to return the land to the original owner.

Lesson Learnt

Delay in paying compensation or taking possession carries a real legal consequence for the acquiring authority: the acquisition itself can lapse, restoring the landowner's rights.

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

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