In Brief
The Delhi Development Authority appealed against the High Court's declaration that land acquisition proceedings had lapsed under Section 24(2) of the 2013 Act, arguing that respondents who purchased the property after the Section 4 notification lacked standing to challenge the acquisition. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeal, holding that under the Delhi Lands (Restrictions on Transfer) Act, 1972, restrictions on transfer apply only after Section 6 declaration, not Section 4 notification. Therefore, the purchaser acquired valid title and locus standi. Since compensation was never paid, the owner was entitled to the declaration. The Court gave DDA one year to restart proceedings; otherwise, possession must be returned."
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