The State Of A.P. & Ors vs N. Audikesava Reddy & Ors

The Supreme Court held that the master plan in existence at the time the Urban Land (Ceiling & Regulations) Act, 1976 came into force must be considered for determining excess land under the Act, rather than any subsequent plans. The Court clarified that authorities cannot unilaterally declare land as vacant by altering its designation in a master plan post-enforcement of the Act. The judgment of the High Court, which declared proceedings under the Act null and void based on reliance on a previous case, was set aside, affirming that planning and development are dynamic and not static.