In Brief
New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA) acquired land in 1982 and compensated owners at Rs.20 per sq. yard. After 22 years, land owners appealed seeking enhanced compensation. The High Court condoned the delay and raised compensation to Rs.149 per sq. yard to match similarly situated owners, but also awarded statutory interest and benefits for the 22-year delay. The Supreme Court held the High Court was justified in condoning the delay and enhancing compensation, but erred in imposing statutory benefits and interest liability on NOIDA. Such liability would unfairly burden the public acquiring body and increase project costs. The appeal was partly allowed, denying statutory benefits and interest for the delayed period.
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