The Allahabad High Court today commenced hearing on writ petitions challenging acquisition of 3000 hectares of land by the authorities in Greater NOIDA with farmers arguing the government took it invoking an "urgency clause" depriving them of an opportunity to raise objections.
A full bench comprising Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice SU Khan and Justice VK Shukla began hearing on the petitions filed by the farmers, who demanded quashing of the acquisition proceedings, from Patwari village in Gautam Buddh Nagar district.
They submitted through their counsel that while the land was acquired for industrial development, the government "changed the land use" and handed it over to private builders.
On the other hand, the government argued that with the construction of roads and drainage system "substantial development" had taken place on the acquired land and a "third party interest" had also emerged with a number of builders and flat buyers investing in the housing projects.
More than 400 farmers from over 12 villages have moved the high court challenging acquisition of their land.
The hearing is likely to continue tomorrow.
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