The Hindu Business Line : Calcutta HC Bench upholds land acquisition by State in Singur

Kolkata, Jan. 18 The Division Bench of the Calcutta High Court comprising the Chief Justice, Mr S.S. Nijjar, and Mr Justice P.C. Ghose, by a common order, on Friday held that the land acquisition by the State Government at Singur for construction of a small car manufacturing unit by Tata Motors is valid.

While dismissing all the public interest litigations (PILs) challenging land acquisition at Singur, the court held that those petitions are not maintainable.

The court further held that the arguments of the State Government, Tata Motors and WBIDC are acceptable in the sense that land has been acquired for economic development of the area.

‘colourable exercise’

The court rejected the contention of the petitioners on the ground that the acquisition notice never was made under colourable exercise of power.

It was opined that such statement of alleged colourable exercise cannot be accepted, as everyone knows that the small car manufacturing unit is going to be set up there and the notice under the Land Acquisition Act has duly been issued by the State authority.

Regarding compensation, if there is any dispute, the Bargadars, whose names are not recorded, may approach the District Collector, who will act in accordance with law, the court said.

After the order was pronounced, the petitioners’ representative said that the order will be challenged in the Supreme Court.

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