The Allahabad High Court has nudged farmers, challenging acquisition of land in Greater Noida and Noida, to work towards an out-of-court settlement with state authorities by August 12. The matter itself has been posted for fresh hearing on August 17, with a division bench of the Court also seeking to refer it to a larger bench under the Chief Justice.

While the reference to an out-of-court settlement disappointed farmers — they were expecting the Court to completely reverse the land acquisition — it has ignited hopes of thousands of buyers who had booked flats in projects launched in the disputed lands. Two recent Allahabad HC orders had quashed land acquisitions in Chak-Sahberi and Patwari villages. The orders prompted farmers from nearly a dozen other villages to also approach the courts against acquisition of over 3,000 hectares by the local authorities. Nearly one lakh buyers have invested in projects currently stuck in land disputes.

Towards resolution

Noida Extension Flat Buyers' Welfare Association said that the court has “paved the way for resolution of the problem.” “Now that the court has given a direction, there is sufficient time to work out a settlement,” said Mr R.P. Tyagi, President of the association.

Ms Maninder Kaur, another flat buyer, felt that that the court has provided a window for reconciliation. “A settlement will benefit both farmers and buyers. So things seem to be moving in a positive direction,” she said.

Related Topics