SC dismisses UP govt's plea against HC ruling on farmers' land

New Delhi, Apr 9 (UNI) The Supreme Court has dismissed the appeal of Uttar Pradesh government against the Allahabad High Court judgement upholding a reference court order enhancing the compensation of farmers' land in Greater Noida from Rs 15 to Rs 65 per sq yard.

A bench comprising Mrs Justice Ruma Pal and Mr Justice Dalveer Bhandari while dismissing the appeal last week held that the enhanced compensation was reasonable as lot of development has taken place and land prices have also increased.

The UP Industrial Development Corporation had acquired 800 bighas of land in village Kasna in Bulandshahar district in 1989 for public purpose. A compensation of Rs 15 per sq yard was awarded. Farmers approached the reference court pleading that compensation was very low and the reference court enhanced the same to Rs 65 per sq yard.

The high court had dismissed the appeal of Uttar Pradesh government in December 2005.

Council for the respondents pleaded before the apex court that the compensation should be awarded to the farmers in accordance with current market rates of the land as the prices of land have risen steeply.

UNI AKS/SC MSJ KP1840