Lok Sabha passes Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017

The Lok Sabha has passed Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Bill, 2017 to make it easier for government to acquire immovable property for “national security and defence purpose”.
The Bill amends the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952 and changes rules for payment of compensation.

Key Features of Bill

The bill seeks to amend a provision to allow Centre to re-issue the notice of acquisition in order to ensure that the property’s owner gets an opportunity to be heard. Through it, government intends to pay fair and just compensation to land owner.
In cases where notice has been re-issued, property owner will be entitled to interest on compensation payable to them. The re-issue of notice will not apply to cases where compensation has already been awarded and accepted by the claimants. The bill will have retrospective effect from March 14, 1952, the date of the enactment of the Act.

Significance

The amendment to the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952 has been done in the interest of the security of the nation. It will help corrupt elements from taking undue advantage by misusing the litigation process.

Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952

The Act provides for central government to requisition immovable property or land for any public purpose such as defence, central government offices and residences. Once the purpose for which property was requisitioned is over, Central Government must returned it back to owner in good condition as it was when possession was taken.
The central government may acquire such requisitioned property in two cases. Firstly incase central government has constructed any work at such property and right to use such work is with government. Secondly incase cost of restoring requisitioned property to original condition is excessive and owner refuses to accept property without being compensated for restoring property.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2017