Public purpose cannot be a pretext for private benefit: Bombay HC quashes acquisition of 84 hectares of Tata Power Bhivpuri Hydro Project Land under MID Act
Bombay High Court held that the State cannot misuse the Maharashtra Industrial Development Act, 1961, to acquire land for the benefit of a private entity under the guise of public purpose. The Court while emphasising that the power of eminent domain must primarily serve public interest, quashed the acquisition of 84 hectares of Tata Power’s land as a colourable exercise of power.