State Is Not Doing Any Charity By Paying Compensation To Citizen Whose Land Was Acquired : Supreme Court

State Is Not Doing Any Charity By Paying Compensation To Citizen Whose Land Was Acquired : Supreme Court

The Supreme Court of India’s stance on land acquisition and compensation along with relevant resources:

Key Points:

• No Fundamental Right, Still a Constitutional Right: While the right to property is no longer a fundamental right in India, it remains a significant constitutional right under Article 300A of the Constitution.
• State Obligation, Not Charity: The Supreme Court emphasizes that the State has a constitutional obligation to provide fair compensation when acquiring land from citizens. This is not an act of charity.
• Timely and Just Compensation: The Court stresses that citizens cannot be deprived of their land for extended periods without adequate compensation. The State must ensure swift and fair payment.

Why This Matters

This ruling reinforces the rights of landowners in India, highlighting the following:

• Safeguarding Citizen Rights: The decision protects individuals against arbitrary actions by the State in land acquisition matters.
• Balancing Development and Individual Rights: It underscores the need to find a balance between necessary development projects and the rights of those whose land is being acquired.