In Brief
The Government of NCT of Delhi appealed dismissal of land acquisition proceedings initiated by the Delhi Development Authority. The Supreme Court upheld the lower court's finding that the original acquisition proceedings had lapsed under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. Following prior precedents against the acquiring authority, the Court dismissed the appeal but granted the Government a one-year period to initiate fresh acquisition proceedings through proper notification. If no new proceedings are commenced within that timeframe, the Government must return possession of the land to its rightful owners.
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