Delhi HC seeks Centre’s reply on NSCI’s plea for compensation on land acquisition

The NSCI sought a direction to the Ministry of Urban Development for determination of the compensation towards the acquisition of 8,261.81 square metres of its premises for developing the integrated corridor

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (December 17, 2024) asked the Centre to reply to a plea of the National Sports Club of India (NSCI) seeking determination of compensation towards the acquisition of some portion of its premises for the “integrated transit corridor”.

The court asked the authorities to compute the compensation payable to the club. “Issue notice. Let the respondent file an affidavit computing the compensation payable along with the interest amount,” it said while posting the hearing on March 7, 2025.

The NSCI sought a direction to the Centre’s Ministry of Urban Development for determination of the compensation towards the acquisition of 8,261.81 square metres of its premises for developing the integrated corridor on Mathura Road and Purana Qila Road.

The petition said the club made a representation to the land and development officer in 2019 requesting expeditious steps towards determination of the compensation under the provisions of the perpetual lease deed and the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

The plea, however, said no action was taken by the authorities till date.

It said the club was granted the perpetual lease of land measuring 8.6 acres situated to the south of the junction of Purana Quila Road and Delhi-Mathura Road by the President from June 13, 1951 through a perpetual lease deed dated June 27, 1956.

The plea referred to a Supreme Court judgment, which held that in case of a perpetual lease, the compensation became payable for the leasehold right or interest held by the lessee or grantee when the land was acquired for public purposes.

Published - December 17, 2024 11:03 pm IST