In Brief
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority acquired 80.92 acres of land between 1982-1985 for a bus and truck terminal. After utilizing 64.80 acres, the Authority left 16.12 acres unused. Original landowners sought return of 5.06 acres of residual land under Section 48-B of the Land Acquisition Act. The High Court ordered re-conveyance, finding the land unnecessary for its original purpose after two decades. The Supreme Court reversed this, holding that Section 48-B grants the State discretion, not landowners enforceable rights. Once land vests in the State, it remains State property unless the State determines it serves no public purpose. The Court found the proposed truck parking yard a valid complementary public purpose, so re-conveyance could not be mandated. Owners receive only their original compensation.
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