Bombay HC: Vaijapur Landowners Secure Higher Compensation for Irrigated Lands

The Bombay High Court at Aurangabad recently made an important decision on February 27, 2026, about how much money landowners in Vaijapur should get for their lands taken by the government.

Background of the Case

This case involved several landowners from Vaijapur, like Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and others, who were unhappy with the amount of money offered for their lands. They wanted to know if they should get more money than what was first given.

Key Issues Discussed

1. Right to More Money: The court needed to decide if Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and the other landowners should get more money than what was initially decided by the court based on a specific rule in the Land Acquisition Act.

2. Type of Land: Another important question was whether the lands should be considered as having irrigation, which would make them worth more.

Important Dates and Decisions

• Announcement and Offer: The first announcement came out on December 3, 1986, and the offer was made on November 22, 1990. The price offered was Rs. 370 per R.

• Previous Decision: A decision made on June 25, 2015, set a higher price for similar lands, which helped Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and the others argue for more money.

• Court's Final Decision: The court decided that Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and the others should get more money, specifically Rs. 3,000 per R for lands with irrigation. The earlier decision by the court was changed.

Appeals and Group Classification

• Group I: These appeals were successful, and the lands were recognized as having irrigation, meaning Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and the owners would get more money.

• Group II: These appeals were sent back to the court to decide on extra money for things like trees, wells, and buildings.

Quotes from the Judgment

"The landowners are entitled to receive Rs. 1500 per Are for dry land or Rs. 3000 per Are for irrigated land."

The judgment focused on fairness and making sure people who didn't know they could challenge the compensation or didn't have the means to do so still get what they deserve.

What Happens Next?

The court will look again at the claims for extra money for things like trees and buildings. Shivaji Pandurang Bhosale and the others are set to appear on March 18, 2026, to speed up the process.

This decision is a big win for the landowners in Vaijapur, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their lands.