In Brief
The State of Haryana challenged a High Court order declaring that a land acquisition had lapsed under the RFCTLARR Act 2013. The respondents, who purchased land after the acquisition notification, claimed acquisition had lapsed because possession was with them and compensation was unpaid. The Supreme Court held that subsequent purchasers lack standing to challenge acquisition proceedings or claim lapsing. Since possession had been formally handed to the beneficiary authority, the respondents were encroachers. Encroachers cannot benefit from lapsing provisions intended for original landowners. The Court quashed the High Court judgment and dismissed the writ petition.
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