State government ruled guilty of illegally acquiring Singur land
Published by MAC on 2007-02-15State government ruled guilty of illegally acquiring Singur land
Zee News, Kolkata
23rd February 2007 :
In a major jolt to the West Bengal government, Calcutta High Court on Friday held the state government guilty of illegally acquiring land of Singur villagers.
The court has directed state government to furnish all the details including copy of agreements by the means of affidavit.
Taking a strict stand on the issue, the court said that the state is prima facie at fault and hinted cancelling all land acquisitions made by the government so far.
The court said that the forceful acquisitions amounted to abuse of power and rights of the farmers were infringed.
The Calcutta High Court on February 14 had quashed prohibitory orders imposed at Singur, which witnessed protests over the acquisition of land for a Tata Motors` car plant. The court had observed that there was no ingredient for invoking Section 144 of CrPC.
The latest observation could spell serious trouble for the Tata Motor project that has already been in the storm from the time of its clearance. Several opposition parties led by Mamata Banerjee have opposed it tooth and nail.
The project has also seen opposition from with the Left Front with not all willing to toe Chief Minister Buddhadeb’s line.