In Brief
The Government of Delhi appealed a High Court judgment that declared a land acquisition lapsed under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. The land had been purchased by subsequent buyers, who then challenged the acquisition. The Supreme Court held that subsequent purchasers have no legal standing to challenge land acquisition or claim its lapse. Further, when authorities cannot take possession due to litigation initiated by the original owner, that owner cannot later claim lapse based on absence of possession caused by their own case. The Court set aside the High Court's order and dismissed the original petition, reaffirming settled principles on locus standi and the proper scope of Section 24(2).
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