DDA’s notice to re-acquire 123 disputed land plots in S Delhi

New Delhi: The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has issued a public notice announcing that it will re-acquire 123 land parcels across several south Delhi villages, acting on recent Supreme Court directions in multiple land acquisition cases. The step, officials said, is intended to prevent buyers from being misled into purchasing plots currently under legal dispute.The notice, issued by DDA's land management department, stated that the re-acquisition process is being undertaken in matters falling under Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013."The Supreme Court delivered judgments in several batches of cases concerning land acquisition, particularly on the applicability of Section 24(2) of the 2013 Act in DDA-related matters and other cases decided after May 17, 2024," the notice said. "Following these rulings, the competent authority reviewed the cases and recommended re-acquisition of 123 parcels, while deciding not to proceed in 25 cases," it said.DDA has uploaded details of the cases on its official website for public access. The affected villages include Palam, Lado Sarai, Jasola, Neb Sarai, Maidan Garhi, Chattarpur, Satbari, Mehrauli, Tughlakabad, Kilokri, Najafgarh, Tikri Kalan, Prahladpur Bangar, Samaypur, Mahipalpur, Pitampura, Naraina, Karala and Begumpur, among others.According to officials, the parcels were originally acquired by DDA in 1980 for planned development across 13 villages. Compensation had been paid at the time, but several landowners challenged the acquisition, leading to prolonged litigation. The Supreme Court later ruled that DDA may re-acquire the land if required for public purpose.In compliance with the court's directions, DDA will now initiate re-acquisition of the 123 parcels. Officials said these land parcels are needed for ongoing and future development projects. "For public convenience, we have uploaded village-wise details, including khasra numbers and case disposal dates," a DDA official said.The authority has also cautioned citizens against engaging in any land transactions involving these sites. "These parcels belong to DDA and are under re-acquisit-ion proceedings. People are advised not to enter into any sale or purchase deals," the official added.