Pre-2018 land acquisition cases can’t be reopened for grant of compensation with interest: SC

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has determined that land acquisition cases prior to 2018 cannot be revisited for the purpose of granting compensation along with interest. This decision stems from a plethora of petitions filed by landowners seeking enhanced compensation for land acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. The court emphasized that the legal framework established post-2018 includes provisions that restrict the reopening of previous cases, thereby maintaining legal finality. This ruling is pivotal for both landowners and governmental bodies, as it clarifies the limitations on claims for retrospective compensation. The verdict underscores the need for clarity in land acquisition processes and reinforces the government's position on adhering to established legal timelines. Moving forward, stakeholders in land acquisition will need to navigate these legal parameters carefully to avoid disputes over compensation claims from older cases.