Supreme Court orders Jammu and Kashmir to compensate family for 1953 land seizure

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to initiate land acquisition proceedings and provide compensation to a family regarding land used for a police station in Kangan, Ganderbal.

The dispute involves approximately 7 kanals and 18 marlas of land that was taken over in 1953 without formal acquisition or payment. The plea was filed by Abdul Rashid Wani, a descendant of the original landowners.

While the court noted that fresh acquisition proceedings could not be ordered for the entire period due to the seven-decade delay, it directed the land acquisition officer to begin the process from 2021, when Wani approached the High Court. Additionally, the court ordered the calculation of rental compensation payable to Wani for the use of the land dating back to 1953. The final amounts for both acquisition and rentals will be determined by the High Court.