The Supreme Court has finally given the green signal for a mega agriculture market on 272.3 acres along Magadi Main Road in west Bengaluru, ending a legal battle that spanned more than two decades. This project is expected to become one of the most transformative agricultural marketing infrastructure initiatives in the city, easing supply chain pressures and strengthening farm-to-market linkages.
Land Possession and Project Details
Following the Supreme Court verdict, the Bangalore Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) has taken possession of the land after depositing Rs 226 crore with the court. The site, located between Srigandhakaval (172 acres and 22 guntas) and Herohalli (100 acres and 11 guntas), is set to host a world-class market. The project had been stalled since the state government first notified the acquisition in 1994 due to legal challenges by the Jamnalal Bajaj Seva Trust, the original landowners.
Legal Battle Timeline
The trust moved the Karnataka High Court in 1999-2000, contesting the land acquisition. In 2014, the high court ruled that the acquisition had lapsed under the 2013 land acquisition law. Appeals and review petitions filed thereafter were dismissed until 2019. A turning point came in 2022 when the matter reached the Supreme Court through a special leave petition. The apex court set aside earlier high court orders and directed a fresh examination of procedural aspects.
On February 3, 2025, a single bench of the high court upheld the acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894, a decision later affirmed by a division bench on January 30, 2026. The trust again approached the Supreme Court, but a bench comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan dismissed the petitions on April 27, upholding the high court's ruling and finally clearing the path for the mega market.
APMC Officials Hail Verdict
APMC officials termed the verdict a landmark moment for agricultural marketing in Bengaluru. Additional director and secretary KC Doreswamy stated, "Given the current and future growth of Bengaluru and imminent demand for various agricultural commodities, this was crucial. Agricultural marketing minister Shivanand S Patil extended his support and constantly guided the officials."
APMC officials visited West Asia and other places to study international models before finalizing the blueprint for the global-standard agri market. The existing APMC market at Yeshwantpur, moved from Old Tharagupet in 1980, has become congested and exhausted its development limits. Meanwhile, Bengaluru's population has tripled, necessitating a well-planned market.
The Magadi Road site is just 1.5 km from the NICE corridor, and plans include a flyover linking to NICE Road for seamless access to Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. The market will include wholesale and retail agricultural commodities such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, and also meat and fish, even though these are not notified commodities.
Key Milestones in the Legal Battle
- 1999-2000: Jamnalal Bajaj Seva Trust challenges land acquisition in high court.
- 2014: High court rules acquisition lapsed under 2013 Land Acquisition Act.
- 2014-2019: Appeals and review petitions by APMC dismissed.
- 2022: Supreme Court intervenes and remands matter to HC for fresh hearing.
- Feb 3, 2025: HC single bench upholds acquisition under 1894 Act.
- Jan 30, 2026: Division bench confirms validity of acquisition.
- Apr 27, 2026: Supreme Court dismisses fresh petitions, clearing the project.
