Background
The Bombay High Court has struck down the land acquisition process for the Navi Mumbai International Airport, citing procedural irregularities and failure to comply with legal mandates. The decision comes as a significant setback to the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project, which has faced numerous delays due to land disputes and environmental concerns.
Court’s Rationale
The bench ruled that the acquisition process was marred by violations of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The court noted that affected landowners were not adequately compensated and that there were discrepancies in the compensation structure. Additionally, the state authorities failed to conduct proper consultations with the displaced communities, leading to allegations of arbitrary action.
Existing Measures
The Navi Mumbai airport project, initially proposed to ease congestion at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, has been under development for over a decade. The City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra (CIDCO) has been managing the land acquisition process, with significant portions of land already cleared for construction. However, multiple legal challenges from landowners and environmental activists have delayed progress.
Conclusion
The court’s decision puts a halt to the ongoing development, requiring the Maharashtra government and CIDCO to revisit the acquisition process. Authorities may now have to renegotiate land deals, ensuring proper rehabilitation for displaced residents. The ruling emphasizes the judiciary’s role in upholding property rights and ensuring fair treatment for landowners in large-scale infrastructure projects.
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