SC directs UP not to pay compensation for land

New Delhi, Mar 12 (UNI) In a judgement with wide repercussions, the Supreme Court has told the Uttar Pradesh government not to pay any compensation for the land which has been purchased by it before acquiring the same.

The interesting facts, giving rise to the order dated March 6, 2006 passed by a bench comprising Mr Justice B P Singh and Mr Justice Almatas Kabir, are that the appellant state of Uttar Pradesh was directed by the High Court to pay compensation to respondents Kashi Parsad Diwedi and others for the land which had been sold by the grandfather of the respondents to the government well before its acquisition.

The court in its order while setting aside the impugned judgement of the Allahabad High Court said: '' We do not express any opinion in the matter, but having regard to the fact that in a large number of cases this problem has been noticed, we remit the matter back to the High Court to reconsider the same after giving an opportunity to the state of UP to file a detailed counter affidavit.'' The court also observed, '' We are so direct in the interest of justice and in public interest. If the plea of the state of the Uttar Pradesh government is found to be justified there can be no question of giving any compensation to persons like the respondents herein,'' the court observed.

The instant judgement of the apex court is an attempt to curb the tendency of unscrupluous people to claim compensation or land for the acquired land in which they do not have any title, interest or right.

UNI AKS/SC MAT AT KP0943