State Of M.P vs Narmada Bachao Andolan & Anr

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, specifically Section 48, concerning 284.03 hectares across five villages. The Court held that the abandonment of land acquisition proceedings was void ab initio due to prior possession taken by the State, and thus, the High Court's conclusion was incorrect. The Court ordered a spot inspection by the District Judge to ascertain the actual physical possession of the land in dispute, emphasizing the need for clarity on the status of possession and any standing crops.