Delhi Development Authority Moves to Re-acquire 123 Land Parcels in South Delhi
The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued a significant public notice, announcing its decision to re-acquire 123 land parcels spread across multiple villages in south Delhi. This action comes in direct response to recent Supreme Court judgments that provide clear directions on land acquisition cases, particularly those involving the DDA.
Legal Basis and Supreme Court Directives
According to the notice released by DDA's land management department, the re-acquisition process is being undertaken under the provisions of Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013. The Supreme Court delivered rulings in several batches of cases concerning land acquisition, specifically addressing the applicability of this section in DDA-related matters and other cases decided after May 17, 2024.
Following a thorough review by the competent authority, it was recommended to proceed with the re-acquisition of these 123 parcels, while deciding against action in 25 other cases. This step is intended to prevent potential buyers from being misled into purchasing plots that are currently entangled in legal disputes.
Historical Context and Original Acquisition
Officials revealed that these land parcels were originally acquired by the DDA back in 1980 for planned development across 13 villages. At the time of the initial acquisition, compensation was duly paid to the landowners. However, several of these landowners challenged the acquisition, leading to years of prolonged litigation that eventually reached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court later ruled that the DDA may re-acquire the land if it is required for public purposes. In compliance with these judicial directions, the authority is now initiating the re-acquisition process for the specified 123 parcels.
Affected Villages and Public Access to Information
The affected villages include Palam, Lado Sarai, Jasola, Neb Sarai, Maidan Garhi, Chattarpur, Satbari, Mehrauli, Tughlakabad, Kilokri, Najafgarh, Tikri Kalan, Prahladpur Bangar, Samaypur, Mahipalpur, Pitampura, Naraina, Karala, and Begumpur, among others. To ensure transparency and public convenience, the DDA has uploaded detailed village-wise information on its official website.
This information includes khasra numbers and case disposal dates, allowing citizens to access critical data regarding the re-acquisition proceedings.
Development Needs and Public Advisory
Officials emphasized that these land parcels are essential for ongoing and future development projects in the region. The DDA has also issued a strong caution to citizens, advising them against engaging in any land transactions involving these sites.
The authority stated clearly that these parcels belong to the DDA and are currently under re-acquisition proceedings. People are strongly advised not to enter into any sale or purchase deals related to these lands to avoid legal complications and financial losses.
This move by the DDA underscores its commitment to lawful urban planning and development, while safeguarding public interests in alignment with judicial mandates.