In Brief
The Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority sought to levy betterment charges on Birla Super Bulk Terminal for development of land in an industrial area. The respondent argued that as the land was allotted by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) under a special industrial development law, the planning authority had no jurisdiction to levy such charges. The High Court agreed, holding the general Town and Country Planning Act did not apply. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that both Acts operate in different fields without conflict. The Planning Authority has jurisdiction to grant development permission and levy betterment fees under the Town and Country Planning Act even for KIADB-allotted land. The respondent was ordered to pay the demanded charges of Rs. 1,48,29,173."
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