Professional Documents
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Land Memorial Sample
Land Memorial Sample
TEAM CODE: 13
BEFORE
v.
-TABLE OF CONTENTS-
List of Abbreviations..................................................................................................................3
Index of Authorities...................................................................................................................4
Statement of Jurisdiction............................................................................................................7
Summary of Facts......................................................................................................................8
Statement of Issues...................................................................................................................10
Summary of Arguments...........................................................................................................11
Arguments Advanced...............................................................................................................13
I. Whether the Act is in line with the constitutional provisions protecting the
fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to property and the
right to livelihood.
II. . The conflict between the public interest in promoting development and
the protection of individual rights, particularly the rights of landowners.
Prayer.......................................................................................................................................19
-LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS-
1. And
&
2. All Allahabad
3. Anr. Another
4. Art. Article
5. Bom Bombay
7. Cal Calcutta
8. Del Delhi
9. Govt. Government
21. v. Versus
-INDEX OF AUTHORITIES-
Cases
S.No. Name
STATUTES
ARTICLES:
SECTIONS:
www.Manupatra.com
www.SCCOnline.com
www.Westlaw.com
www.HeinOnline.com
- MEMORIAL FOR THE PETITIONER
- [ 5]
- 9TH SEM MOOT COURT -
-STATEMENT OF JURISDICTION-
The Plaintiff appear before the Hon’ble High Court of Allahabad under Section 63 of
Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and
Resettlement Act, 2013 read with Article 226 of Constitution of India , 1950.
-SUMMARY OF FACTS-
1. XYZ National Highway Authority Agency in its official gazette dated 24-09-2023,
notified to acquire a large tract of agricultural land to construct a new six-lane
highway connecting two major cities, and to purchase the marked required piece of
land of approximately 1000 acres directly from the farmers along the Greater Noida
Expressway for developing new industrial sectors.
2. In the notification it is given that the Ram Nagar district administration will be the
Nodal executing authority with XYZ to acquire the agricultural land for the project
under The Land Acquisition Act of 2013.
3. The acquisition started accordingly in December 2013. The same was halted as
farmers and land owners of the proposed project land protested against the
acquisition by the authority as the compensation amount offered to affected farmers
and land owners at the rate of ₹3,324 per square meter (sq.) was much lower than the
market value of the land proposed to be acquired.
4. However, the notices were issued to farmers and landowners and acquisition process
started, but it was observed that the some of the farmers and landowners notified did
not consent and adhered to the notices issued for acquisition process by the authority
claiming that the compensation offered by the authority is inadequate and that the
Social Impact Assessment process conducted was flawed.
5. It is also noted that the land in question is primarily owned by a group of farmers
who have been cultivating it for generations. The main contention of the farmers and
landowners is that the acquisition process in question not only deprives them of their
- MEMORIAL FOR THE PETITIONER
- [ 7]
- 9TH SEM MOOT COURT -
livelihood and constitutional rights.
6. According to the states presented by the concerned authority of the project, out of 950
acres of minimum required land to complete the project 650 acres have been already
acquired and out of which 630 acres have been acquired for completing the project in
sectors 14, 15,16 & 20 falling between the Yamuna and Noida- Greater Noida
expressway. Around 300 or more of the proposed and notified land is reqd. To
complete the basic infrastructure works of the pending project including roads, parks
etc.
7. The farmers and the land owners (of the land already acquired and proposed to be
Acquired) have challenged the notification for acquisition under The Land
Acquisition Act of 2013, notified by XYZ National Highway Authority Agency in its
official gazette dated 24-09-2023.
-STATEMENT OF ISSUES-
Issue 1
Whether the Act is in line with the constitutional provisions protecting the fundamental
rights of citizens, including the right to property and the right to livelihood?
Issue 2
The conflict between the public interest in promoting development and the protection of
individual rights, particularly the rights of landowners.
Issue 3
Whether the compensation offered to the farmers is adequate and reflects the true value
of their land and the potential losses they may incur?
Issue 4
Whether the proposed highway project aligns with sustainable development goals and
whether alternative approaches could minimize the impact on the farmers?
-SUMMARY OF ARGUMENTS-
The act in question is not as per the theme of the Indian constitution, as it falls behind on
various aspects which are pivotal and holds utmost importance, when it comes to the rights
of the individual/ groups who’s properties are acquired.
The act does not take into the consideration about the livelihood, which in turn not only
affect that individual but also the upcoming generations. Moreover the act is also
discriminatory when it comes to compensation vis-à-vis Rural Property and urban property.
The petitioners, representing farmers and landowners, assert that the conflict between public
interest in promoting development and the protection of individual rights, particularly the
rights of landowners, is pronounced in the context of acquiring land for building a six-lane
national highway connecting two major cities. Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the
right to life and livelihood. It is argued that acquiring land for a national highway should not
jeopardize the livelihoods of farmers and landowners, emphasizing the need for a balance
between development and the preservation of fundamental rights.
The petitioners contend that acquiring land for the national highway should not infringe upon
this constitutional right. The petitioners argue for a careful and rights-centric approach to
land acquisition for the national highway, citing specific provisions of the Land Acquisition
Act and constitutional guarantees. They underscore the principles of fair compensation,
community consent, and the right to livelihood, seeking a balance between development
goals and the protection of individual rights.
It is contend that the Hon’ble Court must address the inadequacy of compensation for
farmers, considering not just economic losses but also the emotional and cultural ties to their
land. The flawed Social Impact Assessment warrants review, and adherence to Sections 26
and 28 of the Land Acquisition Act is essential for fair compensation. Upholding
constitutional rights and emphasizing rehabilitation under the LARR Act are imperative for a
just resolution that respects farmers’ livelihoods and their constitutional entitlements.
-ARGUMENTS ADVANCED-
I. That the Act is not in line with the constitutional provisions protecting the
fundamental rights of citizens, including the right to property and the right
to livelihood
This act do not define the public purpose appropriately and in many area the definition is vague
and un clear.
Right to property even though removed from part 3 still holds importance in the constitution
and must be looked into carefully by the central as well as state government. On January 8,
2020, a Supreme Court bench comprised of Justices Ajay Rastogi and Indu Malhotra ruled in the
case of Vidya Devi vs The State Of Himachal Pradesh & Ors 1that the Right to Property is a
human right.
The act in question does not take into consideration livelihood, which is a significant factor to
be taken into consideration while acquiring of the land of an individual or a group. Supreme
court has on various occasions highlighted the importance of the same.
Article 21 lies at the very heart of our constitution, as it provides that, “No person shall be
deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law”. It is
this fundamental right that protects the life and liberties of its people. In Olga Tellis vs Bombay
Municipal Corporation, AIR 1986 SC 180, the court established that the right to livelihood is
borne out of the right to live, as no person can live without a livelihood. In this case, fair and
equal access to the land and its resources, is needed to protect their livelihood. Therefore, in
this case, the land acquisition drive works contrary to the constitution’s Right to Life. Land
acquisition and tempting offers of financial compensation seem to be increasingly common
- MEMORIAL FOR THE PETITIONER
- [ 12]
- 9TH SEM MOOT COURT -
ways to deprive people of their livelihood and consequently, their right to life. Moreover in the
instance case the compensation is also not just and reasonable it is far lesser then the market
value.
Now therefore the act does not comply with the provisions of the constitution and also does
not comply with the natural justice.
1
Jan 2020 SCC
II. The conflict between the public interest in promoting development and the
protection of individual rights, particularly the rights of landowners.
The petitioners, representing farmers and landowners, assert that the conflict between
public interest in promoting development and the protection of individual rights,
particularly the rights of landowners, is pronounced in the context of acquiring land for
building a six-lane national highway connecting two major cities.
The petitioners invoke Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and
livelihood. It is argued that acquiring land for a national highway should not jeopardize the
livelihoods of farmers and landowners, emphasizing the need for a balance between
development and the preservation of fundamental rights. The petitioners contend that
acquiring land for the national highway should not infringe upon this constitutional right. In
the case of Olga Tellis v. Bombay Municipal Corporation1 case, the Supreme Court
recognized the right to livelihood as an integral part of the right to life.
The case of Vellore Citizens Welfare Forum v. Union of India (1996) established that
environmental concerns are integral to public purpose, and any action causing
environmental harm can be challenged. Section 5 of the land acquisition Act 2013
outlines that the Collector must assess the social impact and ecological impact of the
project during the preparation of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Scheme and to
examine the conflict between the individual and public interest.
1
1985 SCC ( 3) 545
2
2020 SCC (6) 755
3
1952 1 SCR 889
- MEMORIAL FOR THE PETITIONER
- [ 14]
- 9TH SEM MOOT COURT -
The land acquisition Act 2013 under sec.4 requires obtaining the consent of affected
families and conducting a Social Impact Assessment for land acquisition. The petitioners
contend that these provisions are crucial, especially when acquiring land for a major
infrastructure project. They argue that community input and consent should be integral to
the decision-making process, ensuring that the interests of the affected individuals are
duly considered. Sections 4 to 9 of the Act outline the process of land acquisition,
including the right of the landowner to be heard and object to the acquisition. Assert that
proper notice and opportunity for objections are essential to safeguard individual rights.
The decision in Rudul Sah v. State of Bihar (1983) underscored the importance of
giving affected parties an opportunity to be heard, ensuring due process is followed for
acquiring land.
Section 3(f) of the Act mandates the consideration of alternative sites. The authorities
must thoroughly examine alternatives and choose the one that minimizes the impact on
landowners. The judgment in Sudhir Kumar Saha v. State of West Bengal (2008)
supported the argument that authorities must consider alternative sites and choose the one
causing the least harm to landowners.
Article 300A of the Constitution of India recognizes the importance of protecting the
interests of landowners. The right to property is a fundamental right, and any acquisition
must be in accordance with the law. The case of K.T. Plantation Pvt. Ltd. v. State of
Karnataka (2011) emphasized the need to balance the right to property with public
interest, ensuring fairness in the acquisition process.
Section 31 of the LAND ACQUISITION Act, 2013 considers the extent of the area, the
value of the land, and the damage sustained by the person interested. It is surmised that
the impact on the livelihood of farmers should be proportionate and not disproportionate
to the purported public purpose.
State of Gujarat v. Patel Raghav Natha (1971) highlighted that deprivation of
livelihood without reasonable alternatives could render the acquisition
excessive.
The farmers and landowners argue that the land acquisition process must respect and
protect their individual rights, particularly in the context of public purpose, as defined by
the Land Acquisition Act, 2013.
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala4: This landmark case reinforces the idea that
development initiatives must respect the basic structure of the Constitution. The
petitioners argue that any acquisition of land for development must align with
constitutional principles, safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens.
In summary, the petitioners argue for a careful and rights-centric approach to land
acquisition for the national highway, citing specific provisions of the Land Acquisition
Act and constitutional guarantees. They underscore the principles of fair compensation,
community consent, and the right to livelihood, seeking a balance between development
goals and the protection of individual rights.
III. Whether the compensation offered to the farmers is adequate and reflects the true
value of their land and the potential losses they may incur?
The counsel to the Hon’ble court that the compensation paid to the farmers is not
sufficient to reflect the true value of their land and the potential losses they may suffer
humbly submits it. It is argued that the economic impact on their livelihoods is substantial
and that the compensation should be revised to reflect the actual value of the land.
The affected farmers and landowners, many of who have cultivated the land for
generations, argue that the compensation amount fails to consider the emotional and
cultural attachment they have to the land. It is argued that the disruption caused by the
acquisition not only deprives them of their livelihood but also infringes upon their
constitutional rights.
Moreover, the farmers challenge the credibility of the Social Impact Assessment process,
alleging flaws and biases in its execution. They argue that the assessment failed to
accurately capture the true extent of the impact on their lives, and the proposed
compensation is insufficient to mitigate the losses incurred due to the displacement.
The issue of insufficient compensation for land acquired from farmers is a matter of
concern that has been raised many times. Several key considerations must be weighed:
Economic loss: Acquiring land from farmers often results in the loss of their primary source
of income. Farmers invest their time, labor, and resources in cultivating the land, and it serves
as their livelihood. The compensation received should account for the economic loss suffered
by farmers and provide them with an alternative means of sustenance.
Market value: The compensation provided to farmers should be based on the prevailing
market value of the land. It is essential to ensure that receiving compensation that does not
reflect the actual worth of their land does not disadvantage farmers. Fair compensation should
consider factors such as location, productivity, fertility, and potential for future development.
Section 26 under The Land Acquisition Act of 2013
Determination of market value of land by Collector.–(1) The Collector shall adopt the
following criteria in assessing and determining the market value of the land, namely:— (a)
the market value, if any, specified in the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (2 of 1899) for the
4
AIR 1973 SC 461
5
(2020) 8 SCC 129
- MEMORIAL FOR THE PETITIONER
- [ 16]
- 9TH SEM MOOT COURT -
registration of sale deeds or agreements to sell, as the case may be, in the area, where the land
is situated; or
(b) the average sale price for similar type of land situated in the nearest village or nearest
-PRAYER-
Wherefore in the light of the arguments advanced and authorities citied, the petitioners
humbly submit that the Hon'ble Court may be pleased to adjudge and be pleased to grant
that:
5. To grant any other relief to the petitioners that the court finds justiciable in the
pursuit of Justice.
Counsel
of
Petitioner