Mr Justice I.P. Mukerji on Thursday observed that arguments over the Constitutional validity of the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act should be taken up ahead of other discussions.
He was hearing the Tata Motors' case before the Calcutta High Court challenging the Singur Act. He further observed if “provisions of natural justice”, such as issuing a notice, arguments and award of compensation before acquisition, could be read into the Act.
Earlier in the day, Tata counsel, Mr Samaraditya Pal, argued before the High Court that the Singur Act was unclear on compensation and was against Article 254 of the Constitution.
“The Act has been conceived to legalise an illegal policy,” Mr Pal said adding that the State Act was “repugnant” with the Central Land Acquisition Act.
“A Presidential assent was required to make the Act a valid one,” Mr Pal maintained.