SC issues notices to Supertech Builders, others after hearing plea on enhancement of compensation to Farmers

On Friday, the Apex Court issued notices to Supertech Builders, & other real estate companies, after hearing a petition of enhancement of compensation to farmers whose land was acquired by Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA).

A bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Justice L Nageshwara Rao, & also consisting of Justices Hemant Gupta, & S Ravinder Bhat, issued show-cause notices to various land allottees like Supertech Builders, Galgotia University, & other builders on a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by YEIDA in support of farmers.

The SLP was filed before the Apex Court against the High Court of Allahabad judgement of May 23, 2020.

The High Court of Allahabad had decided in favour of builders & against the YEIDA, which had proposed to give 64.7 per cent enhancement of compensation to the farmers.

The YEIDA had challenged the High Court of Allahabad judgement in the Apex Court on the ground that all farmers should get equal treatment.

Senior Lawyer & Ex-Attorney General (AG) Mukul Rohatgi appeared on behalf of YEIDA, & Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta appeared on behalf of the state, whereas, SC Lawyer Dr Surat Singh appeared on behalf of Bhartiya Kisan Union Lokshakti representing millions of farmers.

It was argued that builders themselves filed an affidavit in Nov 2012 to say that if compensation is enhanced by the Govt or the Authority, they would agree to pay the same.

This fact was concealed by the builders from the High Court of Allahabad.

On behalf of builders, it was argued that there was a contract between YEIDA and builders & a contract is sacrosanct.
After hearing the arguments, the bench of the SC issued a show-cause notice to Supertech & other builders on Yamuna Expressway.

The Court ordered that pleading should be completed within four weeks & listed the matter for further hearing on Oct 9, 2020.

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