Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction

Order Date: 27 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: The Chairman and Managing Director, State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd (Appellant) vs. D. Vijaykumar & Ors. (Respondents).
  • Procedural History: Multiple Civil Appeals (SLP(C) Nos. 10230/2023, 10233/2023, 10234/2023, 6363‑6424/2023, 10231/2023, 10235‑10236/2023, 10239‑10325/2023, 10327‑10328/2023, 22770‑22856/2025, and others) were listed. The matters arose from a High Court judgment dated 17‑10‑2022 in WP No.7550/2012.
  • Background: The State of Tamil Nadu approved acquisition of 970 acres for the State Industrial Corporation on 06‑01‑2009, issued a notification under Section 3(2) of the Tamil Nadu Acquisition of Land for Industrial Purposes Act, 1997 on 27‑10‑2009, and a public notice (Form B) the same day. A Gazette notification followed on 13‑12‑2011, but no award was made before 01‑01‑2014.
  • Legal Issue: Whether the landowners are entitled to compensation under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (the “2013 Act”) with the cut‑off date 01‑01‑2014, or under the 1997 Act.
  • Statutory Provisions Cited: Section 7(6) of the 1997 Act (linking to the Land Acquisition Act 1894), Section 24 of the 2013 Act (deeming pre‑2014 proceedings to lapse unless an award was made and compensation paid), and the substitution principle that the 2013 Act supersedes the 1894 Act for pending acquisitions.
  • High Court Findings (adopted by Supreme Court): Since no award was passed before 01‑01‑2014, the acquisition process must be completed under Section 24(1)(a) of the 2013 Act, with compensation based on market value as of 01‑01‑2014.

Final Outcome

  • The Supreme Court condoned delay and granted leave.
  • All listed appeals were dismissed.
  • The State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd was directed to proceed in accordance with law, i.e., pay compensation to the landowners as per the 2013 Act based on 01‑01‑2014 market values.
  • The Court further directed that if the State finds the acquisition not viable due to alleged excessive compensation, it may release the land and restore it to the owners free of encumbrances, with a decision to be taken within eight weeks.
  • All pending applications, if any, were disposed of.

Topics: Land Acquisition; Compensation Determination; Supreme Court Judgment