New Delhi, 25 March (H.S.):

The Supreme Court delivered major relief to farmers Wednesday ruling that land acquired before 2013 must still receive enhanced compensation and interest under newer laws. A bench led by Chief Justice Suryakant firmly rejected financial burden arguments stating such claims cannot override landowners' constitutional rights.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) had sought review of prior judgments awarding higher payouts for pre-2013 highway project acquisitions claiming a staggering Rs 290 billion liability post the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. The court clarified enhanced benefits apply solely to landowners whose compensation claims remained pending before any forum until March 28 2015.

Only those cases qualify for upgraded solatium and interest per the new law protecting farmers from arbitrary cuts despite government fiscal concerns.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar