The Supreme Court delivered a major blow to the CPM which was in power when 1,000 acres of land at Singur was acquired for the Tata Motors’ Nano car project in 2006. The order stated that the acquisition was bad in law, intent and execution. It also said the hurried acquisition process was anti-farmer and in violation of law. The order was hailed by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as a landmark victory. This was the project that turned the tide in favour of the Trinamool Congress and gave Banerjee her first victory in 2011. On coming to power she passed an act to reverse the land acquisition, but it was struck down by the High court. The important aspect of the order is that it allows the farmers to retain the compensation as they were deprived benefits from the land for 10 years. The order puts the brakes on land acquisition by governments and gives farmers and land owners hope of a just settlement. Also, the order upholds the basic principle that if someone does not want to part with his or her land, it cannot be taken away through an executive process unless all relevant criteria are fulfilled.
