In Brief
This case concerned the fair compensation for 302.75 acres of land acquired in Tauru, Mewat District, by Haryana for residential and utility development. The Land Acquisition Collector had awarded Rs. 45 crore per acre; the Reference Court enhanced it to Rs. 92.62 crore per acre; the High Court reversed this, restoring the original rate. The Supreme Court held that when determining compensation, smaller plot sale deeds from the same locality can be used if developmental deductions are applied. Relying on the highest pre-notification sale exemplar (Rs. 1.81 crore per acre) with a 46-50% deduction for development costs approximated the Reference Court's award. The Court found the Reference Court's valuation nearly accurate, aligned with evidence and the land's potentiality, despite procedural concerns with its sale exemplar choice. The Supreme Court restored the Reference Court's compensation of Rs. 92.62 crore per acre.
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