Advice and representation for landowners and affected families when land is acquired by the Government, CIDCO or other authorities — from objections to fair compensation and rehabilitation.
The Counsel assists landowners, farmers, families and businesses whose land is proposed for acquisition for public projects, infrastructure or urban development in Navi Mumbai, Raigad, Thane and surrounding districts.
We review acquisition notifications, file objections within the statutory time, represent clients before the Collector and land acquisition authorities, and pursue claims for fair compensation, rehabilitation and resettlement benefits. Where the award is inadequate, we seek enhancement before the appropriate authority and courts.
For acquisitions under the 2013 Act, a Social Impact Assessment is generally carried out with public hearings in the affected area before the acquisition proceeds.
The appropriate Government publishes a preliminary notification identifying the land proposed to be acquired.
Interested persons may file objections within the period allowed in the notification. The Collector hears the objections and makes a report.
If the Government is satisfied, a declaration is published that the land is needed for a public purpose, along with the rehabilitation and resettlement scheme.
The Collector determines market value, compensation and rehabilitation entitlements and passes the award.
A person who does not accept the award may seek a reference to the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Authority, and appeal further to the High Court.
Objections and applications for reference must be filed within strict statutory periods counted from the notification or award. Consult an advocate as soon as you receive a notice concerning your land.
