Delhi High Court Enhances Compensation for Landowners Affected by 1989 Yamuna Channelisation
Compensation Raised from ₹89,600 to Over ₹2 Lakh per Bigha for Kilokari and Other Villages
The Delhi High Court has significantly increased compensation for over 140 landowners whose lands were acquired in 1989 for urban development and Yamuna River channelisation. Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju raised the compensation from ₹89,600 per bigha to over ₹2 lakh per bigha for villagers of Kilokari, Khizrabad, Nangli Razapur, and Garhi Mendu. The government was also ordered to pay the balance amount with interest due to the delay in payment.
The Court emphasized that similarly situated landowners must receive equal compensation to avoid discrimination. It found that the acquired lands had higher market value than previously assessed, considering their proximity to posh colonies and favorable market trends.
Invoking Section 28A of the Land Acquisition Act, the Court held that once compensation is judicially determined for a notified area, all affected persons must receive the enhanced rate, regardless of individual applications. This decision ensures fair and uniform compensation for all landowners impacted by the 1989 acquisition.