Shanti Sports Club & Anr vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the Delhi High Court, affirming the Central Government's discretion under Section 48(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, not to withdraw from the acquisition of land for public purpose. The Court emphasized that the planned development of Delhi is a legitimate public purpose justifying land acquisition, as established in Aflatoon v. Lt. Governor of Delhi (1975) 4 SCC 285. The Court dismissed the appeals, reinforcing the principle that delays in the acquisition process do not automatically lead to abandonment of the proceedings.