Return of Singur land is in public interest: Government

KOLKATA: West Bengal government today told the Calcutta High Court that return of acquired land to unwilling farmers is in public interest and defines such farmers as those who do not accept the compensation awarded in return for their land.

Hearing the Tata Motors Ltd's petition challenging the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011, Justice I P Mukerji asked the government if return of the acquired land was for public purpose.

Advocate General Anindya Mitra submitted the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 had no provision for unwilling farmers but the Singur Act provides for such provision.

He said this was a very big issue all over the country and the Supreme Court has also allowed return of land to farmers in recent cases owing to inappropriate acquisitions.

He said all landowners are unwilling when the process of acquisition begins but their unwillingness goes when they accept compensation and their right to challenge the acquisition goes.

A person who accepts the compensation ceases to be unwilling but those who do not accept the compensation are termed unwilling.

The matter was adjourned for the day and would be heard again tomorrow.