In Brief
The Supreme Court set aside the High Court's order that had declared land acquisition proceedings lapsed under the 2013 Act. The key issue was whether acquisition lapses when possession is taken but compensation is not paid. The Court held that acquisition does not lapse if either possession is taken OR compensation is paid. Here, possession was undisputed, taken on 6 December 2012 by the Land Acquisition Collector and handed to the Delhi Development Authority. The Court clarified that vesting of land in the State includes possession, and any person retaining possession thereafter is a trespasser. The State need not physically occupy or guard vacant acquired land. The respondents remain entitled to compensation under the applicable law.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.