$~23 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI % Judgment delivered on: 25.08.2015 + W.P.(C) 6994/2014 & CM 16425/2014 MAHENDER SINGH Petitioner versus LT. GOVERNOR OF DELHI AND ORS Respondents Advocates who appeared in this case: For the Petitioner : Ms [ENTITY] with Mr [ENTITY] For the Respondent LG/L&B/LAC : Mr [ENTITY] with Ms [ENTITY] For the Respondent DDA : Mr [ENTITY] CORAM:- HON'BLE MR JUSTICE [ENTITY] HON'BLE MR JUSTICE [ENTITY] JUDGMENT
[ENTITY], J (ORAL)
1. The counter affidavit handed over by Mr [ENTITY] on behalf of respondent nos. 1, 3 and 4 is taken on record. The learned counsel for the petitioner does not wish to file any rejoinder affidavit inasmuch as she would rely on the averments made in the writ petition.
2. The petitioner seeks the benefit of [SECTION] of the [ACT] (hereinafter referred to as 'the 2013 Act') which came into effect on 01.01.2014. A declaration is sought to the effect that the acquisition proceeding initiated under the [ACT] (hereinafter referred to as 'the 1894 Act') in respect of which Award No.06/2005-06 dated 12.07.2015 was made, inter alia, in respect of the petitioner's land comprised in Khasra Nos. 50/8 (0-8) and 50/9 (0-
11) measuring 19 biswas in all in village Pehladpur Bangar, New Delhi, shall be deemed to have lapsed.
3. Though the respondents claimed that possession of the said land was taken on 31.08.2005, the petitioner disputes this and maintains that physical possession has not been taken. However, insofar as the issue of compensation is concerned, it is an admitted position that it has not been paid.
4. Without going into the controversy of physical possession, this much is clear that the Award was made more than five years prior to the commencement of the 2013 Act and the compensation has also not been paid. The necessary ingredients for the application of [SECTION] of the 2013 Act as interpreted by the Supreme Court and this Court in the following cases stand satisfied:-
(1) [PRECEDENT];
(2) [PRECEDENT];
(3) [PRECEDENT] decided on 10.09.2014;
(4) [PRECEDENT] decided on 12.09.2014 by this Court; and (5) [PRECEDENT]:
WP(C) 2759/2014 decided on 12.09.2014 by this Court.
5. As a result, the petitioner is entitled to a declaration that the said acquisition proceedings initiated under the 1894 Act in respect of the subject land are deemed to have lapsed. It is so declared.
6. The writ petition is allowed to the aforesaid extent. There shall be no order as to costs.
[ENTITY], J AUGUST 25, 2015 [ENTITY], J kb