Land Acquisition Act, 2013
India’s Land Acquisition Act, 2013
A paradigm shift towards fairness, transparency, and humane development, replacing the colonial-era law of 1894.
Pillars of the Act: Key Features
Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
Mandatory assessment to evaluate a project’s social, economic, and environmental consequences before acquisition can begin.
Mandatory Consent
Requires consent from 70-80% of affected families for private and PPP projects, ensuring a participatory process.
Fair Compensation
Provides compensation up to 4x the market value in rural areas and 2x in urban areas, plus a 100% solatium.
Rehabilitation & Resettlement
A comprehensive package including housing, subsistence allowance, and employment for all affected families, not just landowners.
Protection of Food Security
Restricts the acquisition of irrigated, multi-cropped land to protect the nation’s agricultural output.
Return of Unutilized Land
If land is not used within 5 years for its stated purpose, it must be returned to the original owners or a land bank.
Consent: The People’s Voice
The 2013 Act places significant power in the hands of the affected families by mandating their consent for projects that are not purely for public use. This ensures that development is not pursued at an unacceptable human cost.
Private Company Projects
80% Affected Family Consent Required
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Projects
70% Affected Family Consent Required
Calculating Fair Compensation
A cornerstone of the Act is its commitment to fair compensation that truly reflects the value of the land and the compulsory nature of its acquisition. The law differentiates between rural and urban areas to ensure equitable payment.
The Acquisition Journey: A 9-Step Process
The Act establishes a clear, transparent, and consultative procedure for land acquisition, ensuring checks and balances at every stage.
Resolving Disputes: A Specialized Path
The Act bars the jurisdiction of civil courts and establishes a specialized, faster channel for dispute resolution to ensure affected families receive justice without lengthy delays.
(Step 8 of Acquisition)
Request a Referral
Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (LARR) Authority
- Specialized body to hear all disputes.
- Deals with issues of compensation, land measurement, etc.
- Designed for speedy and expert resolution.
Civil Courts
Jurisdiction is barred to prevent delays.
High Court
