In Brief
The Delhi Development Authority challenged a High Court order declaring that land acquisition proceedings had lapsed under the 2013 Act, arguing the property owners lacked standing because they had purchased the land after acquisition was initiated. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that under Delhi's special land transfer law, restrictions apply only after the formal Declaration under Section 6 of the 1894 Act, not from initiation under Section 4. Purchasers acquiring between these dates have valid title and standing. Since compensation was never paid and possession never taken, the proceedings had lapsed. The Authority was given one year to restart acquisition proceedings or return the land.
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