#Right to Fair Compensation Act

Bombay High Court rules that land acquired under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 for service roads and public amenities must be fully compensated, rejecting the State’s exemption claim. The judgment reinforces landowners' rights against arbitrary deductions in acquisition cases.

Bombay High Court rules that compensation awarded under the National Highways Act, 1956, is immune from TDS deductions due to the absolute tax exemption under Section 96 of the Right to Fair Compensation Act, 2013. The ruling reinforces that arbitral awards under land acquisition laws are judgment-debts, shielding landowners from unilateral tax deductions.

Karnataka HC rules that project beneficiaries bearing financial liability under land acquisition must be impleaded and heard in compensation proceedings. Awards passed without their participation violate natural justice and are liable to be quashed, ensuring uniformity in compensation determination for all stakeholders.

Andhra Pradesh HC rules that compensation under the RFCTLARR Act must be calculated based on market value as of the preliminary notification date, not suppressed rates. The court also invalidated consent obtained through misrepresentation of compensation structure, holding it void due to fraud. Landowners facing acquisition disputes can now challenge compensation awards based on post-notification market fluctuations or fraudulent consent.

Bombay High Court holds that land must be lawfully acquired before utilization for public projects; officers cannot shift burden to landowners.

Andhra Pradesh High Court holds that mere long-term possession of government land, without title or regularization, does not confer landowner status under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act.