+
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

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?