Allahabad High Court: UP Government Must Pay Ayodhya Temple Rs 1.21 Crore

• The Allahabad High Court directed the UP government to pay Rs 1.21 crore with 8% interest to the Ayodhya temple.
• The court observed that the State's conduct was 'well orchestrated' to take possession of the land while denying legitimate payment.
• The ruling sets a significant precedent for future land acquisition disputes in India, emphasizing the importance of fair and reasonable conduct by authorities.

The whole story seems to be well orchestrated,

The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to pay Rs 1.21 crore with 8% interest to the Ayodhya temple for land acquired for Ram Janmabhoomi development. The court's order comes after a petition filed by Shri Thakur Ram Janki Sugrivji Virajman Mandir, situated at Sugriv Kila, Ayodhya. The temple had entered into an MOU with the authorities and executed a sale deed on December 22, 2023, for the transfer of 1,512 sq metres of land. However, despite the agreement, the authorities failed to pay the full sale consideration within 15 days as promised.

The dispute concerns 1,512 sq metres in Khata No. 44/2, Khasra No. 246, which was recorded in the name of the deity in successive revenue settlements despite changes in plot numbers. The authorities and the temple had entered into an MOU after negotiations over the cost of the land and construction. A sale deed was executed on December 22, 2023, with a total sale consideration fixed at Rs 1,38,44,559. However, the State's defence that the remaining Rs 1,20,96,000 was not payable because the land was allegedly Nazul land belonging to the government has been questioned by the court.

The Allahabad High Court's ruling emphasizes the importance of fair and reasonable conduct by authorities when dealing with property transactions. The court's observation that the State's conduct was 'well orchestrated' to take possession of the land while denying legitimate payment sets a significant precedent for future land acquisition disputes in India. Lawyers and compliance officers should note that this case highlights the need for authorities to adhere to agreements and pay due consideration for acquired properties, avoiding disputes and ensuring fair treatment of property owners.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the precedent set by the Allahabad High Court, which may impact future land acquisition disputes in India. The court's ruling emphasizes the importance of fair and reasonable conduct by authorities when dealing with property transactions.

Source: Original reporting via LawBeat