The Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of timely compensation to landowners when land is acquired for public purposes. In a recent case involving Ultra-tech Cement Ltd in Himachal Pradesh, the court ruled that the state government must ensure prompt payment of compensation to landowners before taking possession of their land.
The court overturned a previous judgment that directed the appellant to pay a supplementary award to landowners for land acquired for a safety zone and cement plant. It ordered the State of Himachal Pradesh to pay the landowners Rs 3,05,31,095 with interest within 15 days. The court criticized the state for failing to prioritize compensation payments, stating that the government should have intervened to ensure prompt payment.
The ruling underscores the government’s obligation to provide fair and reasonable compensation to landowners in a timely manner. The court’s decision highlights the importance of upholding the rights of landowners and ensuring justice in land acquisition processes. Time is of the essence in compensation payments, and the government must act swiftly to fulfill its obligations to landowners.
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