ANIL KUMAR SRIVASTAVA vs STATE OF U.P.

The Supreme Court addressed the challenge to the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority's (NOIDA) Scheme for constructing a commercial hub in Sector 18, Noida, alleging it violated Article 14 of the Constitution by being arbitrary and resulting in significant loss to the state exchequer. The Court held that the scheme's reserve price was set disproportionately low compared to market rates, thus infringing on the principles of fairness and transparency mandated by Article 14. The Court stayed the operation of the Scheme pending further hearings, emphasizing the need for adherence to established norms and procedures in public land allocation.