HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad High Court on Tuesday stayed all further proceedings regarding the acquisition of 60 acres of land on the city outskirts of Vijayawada for metro station and depot to be used by Amaravati Metro Rail Corporation.
Justice B Siva Sankara Rao was dealing with a writ petition by K Vasanta and others challenging the action of the government authorities in initiating land acquisition proceedings in violation of provisions of the Central Land Acquisition Act 30 of 2013 and invoking provisions of lapsed amendments to acquire their lands situated at Nidamanuru village of Vijayawada rural mandal.
The petitioners’ counsel pointed out that the authorities concerned had issued the impugned notification by relying on a lapsed Ordinance and not disclosing the relevant plans showing the land which is sought to be acquired in each survey number and non-availability of markings on the ground. In fact, the impugned orders were issued to avoid Social Impact Assessment and food security clauses specified in the new Land Acquisition Act. He sought the court to set aside the land acquisition process initiated by the respondent authorities.
When the judge sought response from the respondents, the counsel for Metro Rail said that the authorities have conducted social impact assessment and it was not proper for the petitioners to stall an important project by citing technical issues.The judge then directed the Land Acquisition officer who issued the notification to respond to the matter. While posting the case to next Monday, the judge stayed all further proceedings as the very issuance of preliminary notification was challenged.
Govt move challenged
K Vasanta and others challen-ged the action of the government in initiating proceedings in violation of provisions of the Central Land Acquisition Act 30 of 2013 to acquire their lands situated at Nidamanuru in Vijayawada rural mandal. The government proposed to acquire 60 acres of land on the city outskirts for metro station and depot.