Defence Enclave Residents Society vs State Of U.P. & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the legality of land acquisition under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, and the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court upheld the compensation awarded by the reference Court, enhancing it from Rs. 75/- to Rs. 175/- per sq. yard, thereby setting aside the High Court's reduction of compensation. The judgment emphasized the statutory powers of the Meerut Development Authority under Section 4 and Section 17 of the 1973 Act, affirming the authority's role in urban development and land management.