In Brief
Delhi Development Authority appealed a High Court order that declared a land acquisition lapsed under the RFCTLARR Act, 2013. The respondents were subsequent purchasers of the land (not the original owners), yet the High Court allowed their challenge. The Supreme Court held that subsequent purchasers lack legal standing (locus standi) to challenge land acquisitions or seek deemed lapse. The Court overruled an earlier precedent and applied binding decisions establishing that only original owners can contest acquisitions. The Court quashed the High Court's judgment and allowed the appeal.
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