The Supreme Court today issued a warning to the Maharashtra Government, threatening to halt welfare schemes if compensation is not paid to landowners. The court criticized the state’s budgetary allocation for schemes, demanding compensation for illegally taken land. The Chief Secretary may be summoned if steps are not taken by August 28. The court also considered a plea for regulation of political party election manifestos.
The Supreme Court ruled against the State’s notion that providing compensation for land acquisition is an act of generosity, affirming citizens’ right to property. In response to a contempt case, the Court dismissed arguments that delay in compensation benefitted landowners, and left the option open for landowners to challenge the compensation award.
