In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Petroleum and Minerals Pipelines Act, 1962, which allows acquisition of limited 'right of user' in land for laying pipelines, rather than outright land acquisition. The Court held this is a valid, partial acquisition of a property right, distinct from complete expropriation. Owners retain title and possession; they may continue agricultural use but cannot construct permanent structures on affected land. The compensation scheme—comprising actual damages plus 10% of market value—is reasonable. The definition of 'Corporation' includes private entities. However, the Court held that the Competent Authority determining compensation must have judicial qualifications consistent with Article 14 fairness, though prior appointments were not invalidated. The appeals challenging the acquisition notification and compensation were allowed and disposed of.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.