In Brief
M/s Suzlon Energy sought to erect electric transmission towers on the respondents' agricultural land. The High Court allowed the company's petition under Section 16(1) of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, but a Division Bench subsequently ordered further inquiry into compensation and route selection. In this appeal, the Supreme Court allowed Suzlon's challenge and set aside the Division Bench's order. However, the Court bound Suzlon by its counsel's undertaking to pay 500 per cent enhanced compensation (beyond baseline compensation determined by authority) to affected landowners, with no prejudice to agricultural operations. The concerned authority must determine baseline compensation within two months, and Suzlon must pay within six weeks thereafter."
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