Mandatory Statutory Procedures and Due Process in National Highway Land Acquisitions

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
SANGITA BALBHIM MORE v. UNION OF INDIA THR SECRETARY AND OTHERS (Bombay High Court, 13-10-2026)
Law
National Highways Act, Constitution of India.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Detailed examination of mandatory land acquisition procedures under Sections 3A through 3E of the National Highways Act, 1956.
  • Analysis of constitutional protections against property deprivation without due process under Article 300A.
  • Judicial ruling that authorities cannot dispossess landowners or compel arbitration without a formal award in the owner's favor.
  • Precedents regarding the illegality of taking possession for public projects without adhering strictly to statutory vesting protocols.
  • Clarification on correcting administrative errors in land identification and compensation disbursement.