Ayodhya Land Acquisition: Supreme Court Reserves Verdict on Housing Schemes

The Supreme Court on Monday reserved its verdict on a challenge to land acquisition for three housing and development schemes in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. A bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana heard Shri Saryu Nagar Vikas Samiti, which is contesting an Allahabad High Court (Lucknow bench) order of 6 August, against the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad and district officials, according to reports by PTI and LiveLaw.

Farmland and a Stalled Impact Study

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, for the Samiti, argued that multi-crop agricultural land cannot simply be taken, and that safeguards under the 2013 land acquisition law were not fully applied. His challenge is limited to the third scheme, and he asked the court to halt it until a social impact assessment, which was started and then dropped, is completed.

Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, for the state, said Ayodhya is a major pilgrimage destination and that development there should not be stalled. She said the authorities are extending 2013 Act benefits, including enhanced compensation and solatium, so the dispute is largely academic.

Also read Allahabad HC Stays Murder Conviction of Man Eyeing 2027 UP Polls

1,407 Acres, About 70 Used

The High Court order disposed of a batch of petitions on the three schemes. It told the Parishad to decide compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement under the UP Awas Evam Vikas Parishad Adhiniyam, 1965, applying the principles of the 2013 Act. The Samiti told the Supreme Court that the three schemes cover 1,407 acres, of which only about 70 acres were reportedly used, leaving roughly 1,300 acres under the first two schemes surplus. It cited Section 8(1)(d) of the 2013 Act, which requires the government to check that earlier-acquired land has not gone unused before acquiring more.

The CJI questioned whether the High Court had restricted the Samiti’s rights, noting that its judgment provided for 2013 Act benefits or their principles. The bench said an impact assessment cannot be dismissed lightly but should not become a “millstone around the neck” of the state, and it stressed public interest in projects already under way.

Verdict Date Not Yet Announced

No date for the judgment has been given. Until the court rules, it is not clear whether the third scheme will go ahead as planned, be paused for a fresh impact assessment, or proceed with changes. The state told the bench it is open to improving the process for future acquisitions.

Related reading on IPB News: Daily Updates, Avadi flats on tank land: Supreme Court orders new site for buyers.

Source: Based on reporting by LiveLaw and OrissaPOST (PTI).

Image: Wikimedia Commons.