Land Acquisition And Related Issues In India

Why in news?

The Supreme Court issued notices to five states seeking their responses on a plea by Medha Patkar, challenging the validity of certain amendments made by them to a central law of 2013 on land acquisition.

What is LAA act of 1894?

  • Land Acquisition Act of 1894, had codified powers of eminent domain, where Landowners were placed at the state’s mercy.
  • Under this Government was accorded vast discretion to expropriate land for supposed public use.
  • Requirements of due process were scant, and the amount of money paid in return for land was often inadequate.

What is LARR act of 2013?

  • Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act), replaced the LAA of 1894.
  • This act provides number of safeguards for the process of acquisition manifestly fairer.
  • It compels a social and environmental impact assessment as a precondition for any acquisition.
  • It also acknowledges a need for a system of rehabilitation and resettlement for those whose livelihoods are likely to be affected by the transfer of land.
  • These protections intend to alter the traditional relationship between the state and the citizen, allowing communal benefit to occasionally trump interests of pure capital.
  • It brings transparency to the process of acquisition of land, assures rehabilitation of those affected, goes beyond compensation and mandates guaranteed series of entitlements to rural households affected.
  • So, it has a more inclusive people-oriented approach which has not been the case with earlier acts.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

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