Patwari Land Dispute Resolution Expected Soon, Bringing Relief to Homebuyers
Following the Supreme Court's dismissal on Wednesday of a special leave petition (SLP) filed by a group of Patwari farmers, who challenged the government’s proposed out-of-court settlement, the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority (GNIDA) anticipates a swift resolution to the Patwari land acquisition crisis. This decision brings a wave of relief to around 20,000 prospective homeowners who have invested in residential projects located within Noida Extension's Patwari village.
The dismissal of the SLP, coupled with the Allahabad High Court's decision to postpone hearings on the Noida and Greater Noida land acquisition cases for two weeks, grants the government valuable time to convince an increasing number of Patwari farmers regarding the settlement's appeal.
Positive Implications for Infrastructure Projects
This development not only offers relief to anxious homebuyers but also revitalizes critical infrastructural projects. The planned metro line connecting Noida and Greater Noida—a 28-kilometer stretch along a 140-meter-wide road—and a 22-kilometer, 60-meter-wide road connecting Greater Noida and Ghaziabad, are among the projects likely to benefit from this development.
GNIDA's Allotments and Farmer Concerns
The authority allotted approximately 3,000 residential plots to individuals in the area. It also houses several corporate offices, schools, and other institutions. The state government achieved a higher compensation agreement on August 6 with a segment of Patwari farmers to reinvigorate stalled real estate projects, which, predictably, prompted dissatisfied farmers opposing the agreement to approach the Supreme Court. GNIDA's Chief Executive Officer, Rama Raman, welcomed the Supreme Court's order as "a positive sign."
Legal Proceedings and Farmer Perspectives
A two-judge bench of the Supreme Court nullified the compulsory acquisition of 589 hectares of Patwari land on July 19. However, another two-judge bench, addressing related petitions from Patwari on July 26, referred the entire matter to a larger bench while granting all contesting parties time for a settlement until August 12.
Parminder Bhati, the farmers' legal representative, articulated their stance: “Our contention was when the HC had quashed acquisition in Patwari village, the remaining petitions should have got the same relief. In the name of out-of-court settlements, government officials and its heavy-weight politicians have been putting pressure on farmers.”
Farmers interpreted Wednesday’s court stance as a victory, with Ranveer Pradhan, one farmer, stating: “We thought we might not get back our land. But the court has approved of the July 19 verdict of the high court.” Bhati added, “The court has said the July 19 verdict was in favor of farmers and assured if the high court’s higher bench ruled against the interest of farmers they can move the Supreme Court.”