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The government is taking my land — acquisition, compensation or rehabilitation
You can object before the award and ask for higher compensation after it — but both have short deadlines.
Answer a few questions and get your list →What the law says
Most acquisitions follow the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013: a preliminary notification, objections, a declaration and an award by the Collector, with compensation based on market value multiplied by a factor, plus a 100% solatium and rehabilitation entitlements. If you do not accept the award, you can ask for a reference to the Land Acquisition Authority under Section 64 — generally within six weeks of the award if you were present, or within six months otherwise. National Highway acquisitions follow the National Highways Act, 1956, where compensation disputes go to an arbitrator. Some states buy land by consent under their own laws.
General information, not legal advice.
Papers that usually help
- All notifications and notices (preliminary, declaration, award)
Deadlines run from these dates. - Title and revenue records of the land
Basis of compensation. - The award and calculation sheet
Needed to seek enhancement. - Sale deeds of nearby land at higher prices
The strongest proof for higher compensation. - Proof of trees, wells, buildings and crops on the land
These are compensated separately. - Proof of livelihood or residence on the land
Needed for rehabilitation entitlements. - Written application for reference / arbitration against the award
Short deadline after the award.
Questions Saboot will ask you
- At what stage is it?
- For what project?
- Did you lose a house or your livelihood?
Sources
- Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013
- National Highways Authority of India
- NALSA — free legal aid
Common situations
- Government notice to take my land for a highway
- Compensation for acquired land is too low
- Land acquired but compensation not paid
- Losing my house and livelihood to a project
- Railway project taking my land
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