In Brief
The State of Tamil Nadu acquired private land in Chennai for the MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) Railway Project under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. After acquisition was completed and possession taken, the High Court directed the State to allot alternative housing sites to the displaced landowners as relief. The Supreme Court held that such direction was without legal foundation. Since the land was acquired for a centrally-implemented railway project with no applicable statutory scheme or policy providing alternative housing, the State had no obligation to grant such relief. The Court distinguished prior cases involving urban development and housing schemes, finding them inapplicable. Once land vests in the State following lawful acquisition, owners have no right beyond compensation. The appeals were allowed and the High Court's directions were set aside.
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