Yamuna Channelisation: Delhi HC Raises Land Compensation to Over ₹2 Lakh per Bigha
The Delhi High Court has increased the compensation for hundreds of landowners whose properties were acquired in 1989 for the Yamuna River channelisation and urban development projects.
Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju enhanced the compensation from ₹89,600 per bigha to over ₹2 lakh per bigha for residents of Kilokari, Khizrabad, Nangli Razapur, and Garhi Mendu villages. The Court also directed the government to pay the remaining amount along with interest, noting that similar compensation must be extended to all landowners whose lands were acquired under the same notification.
The judge emphasised that villagers affected by compulsory acquisition are not willing sellers and must be treated fairly. “Failing to grant similar compensation for similar lands would lead to discrimination,” the Court said.
The ruling came while hearing over 140 appeals filed by villagers challenging the compensation previously fixed by the Land Acquisition Collector at ₹27,344 per bigha. The Collector had categorised the area as floodplain and riverbed land, which led to a lower valuation.
However, the petitioners argued that the land’s actual value was much higher due to its proximity to prime Delhi localities and the steady rise in market rates from 1959 to 1989. The government, on the other hand, contended that the land had limited value because of flooding risks and construction restrictions.
After reviewing evidence and sale deeds, the Court found that the land in Kilokari village was worth around ₹2.07 lakh per bigha at the time of acquisition. It held that since the lands in the other three villages were similar in character and part of the same acquisition notification, they should receive equal compensation.
Citing Section 28A of the Land Acquisition Act, the Court said that once a rate of compensation is judicially determined, it must apply to all similarly affected landowners.
Senior Advocate Dhruv Mehta, along with several advocates, appeared for the villagers, while Standing Counsel Sanjay Kumar Pathak represented the Union of India. Senior Advocate Sanjay Poddar and Standing Counsel Mrinalini Sen appeared for the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).
