The development
In The Deputy Commissioner and Special Land Acquisition Officer v. M/s S.V. Global Mill Limited, 2026 INSC 138, the Supreme Court considered a consolidated batch of appeals concerning the appellate route and limitation applicable where acquisition proceedings began under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 but the award was made after the 2013 land-acquisition legislation came into force.
What the Court held
The Supreme Court held that Section 24(1)(a) of the 2013 Act governs cases in which the award is passed after commencement of that Act, and that the first appeal lies under Section 74 of the 2013 Act. Crucially, the Court held that Section 5 of the Limitation Act is not excluded from such appeals. The Court allowed the appeals and condoned the delays before it.
Why it matters
The decision is significant for acquisition litigation because it rejects an unduly rigid approach to limitation under Section 74 and clarifies the interaction between the 2013 Act and the Limitation Act. It also underscores the need for public authorities to maintain effective systems for monitoring and filing statutory appeals on time.
This Insight is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is a concise commentary on the cited primary source and should not be relied upon as a substitute for the source text or advice on specific facts.