SC upholds land acquisition for Chennai airport expansion

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the Tamil Nadu government's decision to acquire land for expansion and modernisation of the Chennai airport.
A bench headed by Justice R V Raveendran dismissed a petition filed by a developer, Macro Marvel Projects, which alleged that the expansion would lead to dislocation of 10,000 families.
The developer had challenged the Madras High Court decision of March 28 to dismiss various petitions against land acquisitions. The high court had also directed Kancheepuram District Collector to begin issuing notices to land-holders.
The petitioner stated that it had purchased land of around 7.08 acres at a huge cost and invested significantly in developing residential plots.
However, Airport Authority of India stated that the Rs 2,700-crore project, which would result in the dislocation of 10,000 families, was crucial to the Chennai's future as a key aviation hub in India and South Asia.
Describing the project as of "paramount public interest," it stated that the government was within its jurisdiction and was competent to issue acquisition orders in the interest of general public and the compensation would be paid to the land owners as per law.
08/07/08 PTI/The Hindu

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Airports Jul 2008