In Brief
The State acquired agricultural land in 1970 for township development. After a 1986 award determining compensation, which the landowners rejected, they sought release of the land through administrative proceedings. The State partly released it in 1992 but retained some land. In 2000, the State took lawful possession of the retained land, transferring it to the development authority. The landowners, after losing three rounds of litigation, filed another petition after a 2004 ministerial note suggesting release. The High Court granted mandamus to enforce it. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that once possession is taken under Section 16, the Land Acquisition Act's Section 48 (which allows withdrawal only before possession) no longer applies. A mere file noting without formal communication and proper notification does not create enforceable rights. The appeal succeeded.
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