By News Desk 
Land acquisition by the state and central governments is common for infrastructure and development projects. However, several disputes regarding how land is acquired often end up in courts. Many of these cases reveal violations of legal procedures, especially when it comes to compensating landowners.
In a recent and impactful decision, the Supreme Court of India has delivered a major verdict concerning land acquisition laws. This judgment is being widely discussed and brings significant relief to property owners, especially those affected without proper compensation.
Key Highlights of the Supreme Court’s Verdict
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court has clarified that while the right to property is not a fundamental right, it is still a constitutional right under Article 300-A of the Indian Constitution. This means no one can be deprived of their property without legal authority or due compensation.
Background of the Case
The case relates to land acquired for the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project. In 2003, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) issued a notification to acquire land. By 2005, the land was occupied—but the owners were never paid compensation.
Frustrated by inaction, the landowners pursued legal recourse for over 22 years. The Karnataka High Court had ruled on this issue in 2022, but the decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, leading to the current landmark judgment.
What the Supreme Court Observed
The court found that the landowners were unfairly evicted without being paid any compensation. Only after a contempt notice was issued, did the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) begin to assess the compensation based on market rates—but he used the outdated 2011 rate guidelines.
The Supreme Court strongly criticized this and stated that:
- Compensation should be based on the market value at the time of actual disbursement, not from the year when the land was acquired.
- Using older valuation standards violates Article 300-A, which guarantees the right to property.
- The SLAO must now recalculate the compensation using April 2019 market rates under the court’s special powers granted by Article 142 of the Constitution.
Court’s Final Orders
The Supreme Court has instructed that:
- The revised compensation amount must be determined and paid within two months.
- The SLAO must recalculate the compensation fairly, reflecting 2019 rates.
- Even after the revised amount is declared, the affected landowners retain the right to legally contest it if they are not satisfied.
Conclusion
This ruling reaffirms that the government cannot take over private land without following due process and fair compensation. It reinforces the importance of upholding constitutional rights, especially for citizens who may not have the power to resist unlawful land acquisition.