N.DEVANATHAN Vs. TATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The State of Tamil Nadu sought to acquire various pieces of land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 in Vilankurichi, Vellakinar, Thudiyalur and other villages around the city of Coimbatore so as to develop residential areas / colonies to cater to the growing residential/other needs of the city over a period of time (1990 - 2001) by separate and independent proceedings and passing separate awards in respect of each individual acquisition.

(2.) The learned Advocate General, learned Additional Advocate General, learned Counsel appearing on behalf of the State / Housing Board and learned Senior Counsel appearing on behalf of the appellants / writ petitioners, all agree that the matter is no longer res integra being squarely answered authoritatively by the constitutional bench of the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in Indore Development Authority Vs. Manoharlal and Ors.,(2020) 8 SCC 129. but, however, the narrow compass of the difference between both the sides is as to whether the writ petitioners / land owners will be entitled for declaration that the proceedings have lapsed within the parameters of the law laid down by Indore judgment (cited supra).

(3.) Before proceeding to deal with the contentions in respect of each individual matters, it is necessary to restate the law laid down in Indore judgment (cited supra). While considering the conflicting views expressed by different Benches, by authoritatively interpreting Sec. 24(2) of the New Act, the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India held that: