In Brief
The State of Maharashtra challenged the High Court's decision quashing acquisition proceedings of parts of buildings (owned by Reliance Industries and Express Newspapers) without acquiring the underlying land (owned by the Government and Port Trust respectively). The Supreme Court held that where land and building are owned by different persons, the State can acquire a building or part thereof without acquiring the underlying land it owns. The definition of 'land' under section 3(a) includes benefits from land, but does not require the State to acquire its own interest. Owners can claim compensation for any severance or diminution in utility under section 23. The Court overruled old High Court decisions and held the acquisition valid, directing completion expeditiously.
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