SC Upholds Yamuna Expressway Land Acquisition
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

SC Upholds Yamuna Expressway Land Acquisition

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of land acquisition for the Yamuna Expressway and its adjoining areas in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The judgement resolves a long-standing conflict over the application of urgency provisions under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, dismissed landowners' appeals while allowing the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority's (YEIDA) cross-appeals. Justice Mehta, authoring the 49-page verdict, emphasized that the acquisition was integral to the expressway's development and adjoining areas, serving unified public-interest objectives.

Key Observations: Integrated Development: The court ruled that the land acquisition was part of an integrated development plan for the Yamuna Expressway, ensuring overall regional growth. Urgency Clause Justified: The application of urgency provisions under sections 17(1) and 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act was deemed legal, citing rapid development needs and prevention of unauthorized encroachments. Uniform Compensation: The bench upheld the Allahabad High Court’s 64.7% enhanced compensation as a "No Litigation Bonus," ruling out further enhancements to ensure equity among affected landowners. The Supreme Court also addressed conflicting Allahabad High Court rulings:

It affirmed the Kamal Sharma case, which upheld the acquisition and granted enhanced compensation. It invalidated the Shyoraj Singh case as "per-incuriam," which had quashed the acquisition citing arbitrary urgency clause application. This verdict concludes disputes stemming from 2009 land acquisitions, paving the way for continued development of the Yamuna Expressway, a critical infrastructure project connecting the region's economic hubs.

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of land acquisition for the Yamuna Expressway and its adjoining areas in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The judgement resolves a long-standing conflict over the application of urgency provisions under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The bench, comprising Justices B R Gavai and Sandeep Mehta, dismissed landowners' appeals while allowing the Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority's (YEIDA) cross-appeals. Justice Mehta, authoring the 49-page verdict, emphasized that the acquisition was integral to the expressway's development and adjoining areas, serving unified public-interest objectives. Key Observations: Integrated Development: The court ruled that the land acquisition was part of an integrated development plan for the Yamuna Expressway, ensuring overall regional growth. Urgency Clause Justified: The application of urgency provisions under sections 17(1) and 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act was deemed legal, citing rapid development needs and prevention of unauthorized encroachments. Uniform Compensation: The bench upheld the Allahabad High Court’s 64.7% enhanced compensation as a No Litigation Bonus, ruling out further enhancements to ensure equity among affected landowners. The Supreme Court also addressed conflicting Allahabad High Court rulings: It affirmed the Kamal Sharma case, which upheld the acquisition and granted enhanced compensation. It invalidated the Shyoraj Singh case as per-incuriam, which had quashed the acquisition citing arbitrary urgency clause application. This verdict concludes disputes stemming from 2009 land acquisitions, paving the way for continued development of the Yamuna Expressway, a critical infrastructure project connecting the region's economic hubs.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Infrastructure Opportunity Outlook by IMPACCT.Info

India’s infrastructure pipeline is witnessing dynamic activity across stages — from immediate bidding to future planning. IMPACCT segments these into three categories: Immediate, 3–6 Month, and Future Opportunities, enabling businesses to identify, prepare, and participate in high-value tenders and projects across sectors...To read the full article Click Here..

Next Story
Real Estate

Serene Communities, Prathima Group Invest Rs 4 billion in Hyderabad

Serene Communities by Columbia Pacific, India’s largest senior living operator, has partnered with Prathima Group to develop two senior living projects in Hyderabad, marking its entry into Telangana. The collaboration represents an investment of Rs 4 billion, combining Serene’s international expertise with Prathima’s local development experience. The first project, Serene BILVANI One, launched in Shankarpally, is Hyderabad’s first premium senior living community. Designed for independent and active ageing, it features senior-friendly architecture, barrier-free design, and wellness..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India remains our most important market

Foundamental, the world’s leading venture capital platform focused on the project economy, has launched its third fund to strengthen its presence in India, APAC, and other global markets. Led by Berlin-based Managing Partners Shubhankar Bhattacharya and Patric Hellermann, Fund III aims for a final close by the end of 2025. In an exclusive interaction with CW, Bhattacharya shares insights on the fund’s mandate, India’s role in their strategy, and the opportunities they see in the construction-tech and project-based sectors. Can you briefly explain Fund III’s mandate and how In..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?