SC ends 18-year land row, saves 16 Greater Noida homes from acquisition

The Supreme Court of India has brought an end to an 18-year-long land dispute, delivering a significant reprieve to 16 homeowners in Greater Noida whose houses were under threat of acquisition. The court's intervention ensures these modest homes, built on plots ranging from 100 to 200 square yards, will be spared from the government's industrial expansion plans.

The legal battle began in 2007 when the Uttar Pradesh government initiated the acquisition of approximately 230 hectares in the village of Ibadullahpur alias Badalpur for the development of Greater Noida. While the acquisition process itself was initially upheld, the Supreme Court, exercising its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to "do complete justice," stepped in to protect the affected families.

“

The appellants have approached this Court primarily for the protection of their residential units.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohana exempted the 16 homes from acquisition, recognizing the "peculiar facts and circumstances" of the case. The court noted that nearly 19 years had passed since the acquisition process started, during which planned development had occurred around the disputed plots, and the appellants had continued to occupy their homes. The authorities had acknowledged the residential structures, though deemed them unauthorized.

In its order on June 25, the court concluded that a strict application of acquisition proceedings would lead to an inequitable outcome. By setting aside the acquisition for these specific residential units, the Supreme Court has provided a tailored remedy, safeguarding the investments and livelihoods of these families who had poured their savings into securing a roof over their heads.

“

In these peculiar facts and circumstances, it was a fit case for invoking Article 142.