In Brief
The Delhi Development Authority appealed against a High Court order declaring land acquisition proceedings lapsed under Section 24(2) of the 2013 Rehabilitation Act. The land was acquired in 1964 with an award in 1967, when compensation was deposited in court and possession was taken via panchnama. The Supreme Court held that Section 24(2) requires BOTH possession and compensation to be absent for lapse; if either is taken, proceedings continue. Deposit in court constitutes valid compensation. Taking possession by panchnama is permissible. The High Court's reliance on an overruled precedent was incorrect. Appeal allowed.
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