Singur Act upheld

In this file photo West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is seen along with Singur farmers at the West Bengal State Legislative Assembly in Kolkata. Photo: Sushanta Patronobish

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday upheld the Singur Land Rehabilitation and Development Act, 2011. It said any action taken under it was “constitutional and valid.”

However, Justice I.P. Mukerji, who heard the petition filed by Tata Motors against the constitutional validity of the Act, held that the provision for compensation was “vague and uncertain.” The provisions for award of compensation in the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, should be incorporated into this Act.

He ruled that the District Judge of Hooghly would have to make an award of compensation within six months of an application from Tata Motors. He ordered an “unconditional stay” on the ruling till November 2.