In Brief
This case challenges the constitutional validity of Tamil Nadu's special land acquisition laws (Industrial Purposes Act, 1997 and Highways Act, 2001), arguing they arbitrarily discriminate compared to the central Land Acquisition Act, 2013. The Court dismissed the appeals, holding that when a State enactment receives Presidential assent under Article 254(2) of the Constitution for being repugnant to central legislation, such disparity is inherent and permitted. Further, subsequent purchasers of land after acquisition proceedings begin lack standing to challenge the legislation. Comparative analysis between State and central laws for Article 14 equality purposes does not apply when enacted by different Governments.
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