SC upholds Mayawati Government’s land acquisition policy

NEW DELHI - The Supreme Court on Wednesday dismissed an appeal made by a farmers’ body and upheld the Mayawati Government’s land acquisition policy for development of projects alongside the Yamuna Expressway connecting Delhi with Agra.

The apex court did not agree with the contention of the farmers that the land was acquired for a private purpose and not for a public purpose.

It dismissed an appeal filed by some farmers challenging the verdict of the Allahabad High Court, which had upheld the policy of the Mayawati Government.

Three farmers have been killed in police firing while they were protesting against inadequate compensation for land acquired in an area bordering Aligarh and Mathura Districts.

The State Government had earlier fixed compensation at the rate of Rs 425 per sq m for the financial year 2010-11 for Aligarh District. Besides, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 24 per sq m was also being given.

The 165-km eight-lane Yamuna Expressway has been taken up by the UP Government to reduce the driving time between New Delhi and Agra. (ANI)