M/S Magnum Promoters P.Ltd vs Union Of India & Ors

The Supreme Court examined the applicability of Section 24(2) of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, in the context of land acquisition proceedings initiated under the repealed Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court held that if physical possession of the land has not been taken within five years of the award, the acquisition proceedings would lapse, thereby allowing the appellant to retain possession of the land. The appeal against the High Court's dismissal of the writ petition challenging the acquisition was thus allowed, reinforcing the legal principle that timely possession is essential for valid land acquisition.