The Supreme Court on Friday rejected Godrej & Boyce’s plea challenging the Maharashtra government’s acquisition of a 10-acre plot of the firm in Vikhroli earmarked for one of the entry points for the bullet rail link’s underground section.
“It is a project of national importance. They have taken possession of the land after completing the acquisition process and awarding Rs 264 crore compensation. You (Godrej & Boyce) are demanding Rs 572 crore. You can always move the appropriate forum for enhancement of the compensation amount. We will not entertain your appeal against the the Bombay high court order,” said a bench of Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, and Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala.
Solicitor general Tushar Mehta said that the parties failed to reach an agreement and, hence, the government acquired the land by resorting to the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, adding that the state recognises the company’s right to move appropriate forum questioning the compensation amount.
