In Brief
The Supreme Court concluded protracted litigation over rehabilitation of families affected by the Sardar Sarovar Project in Madhya Pradesh. It ordered compensation of Rs. 60 lakhs each to 681 families who had not yet received compensation. Additionally, 1358 families who had received both installments but were defrauded by middlemen and failed to purchase land were awarded Rs. 15 lakhs each (minus earlier payments) as final settlement. The Court established a Grievance Redressal Authority to address amenity-related grievances and allowed court recourse if dissatisfied. All occupants must vacate the submergence area by 31 July 2017. The order, passed under Article 142 with State consent, shall not constitute precedent.
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