Land Acquisition Act in India (LARR, 2013)

Land Acquisition in India—Evolution & Comparison


1. Introduction

  • Land Acquisition is the process by which the government acquires private land for public purpose.

  • Before 2013, land acquisition was governed by the Land Acquisition Act, 1894.

  • To ensure transparency, fair compensation, and rehabilitation, the LARR Act, 2013 was introduced.

2. Objectives of the 2013 Act

  • Ensure just and fair compensation.

  • Mandatory Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R).

  • Enhance transparency through Social Impact Assessment (SIA).

  • Prevent misuse of urgent acquisition clauses.

Chapter I – Preliminary (Sections 1–3)

  • Section 1: Short title, extent, and commencement.

  • Section 2: Applies to government/private acquisition for public purpose.

  • Section 3: Definitions (important terms like affected family, land acquisition, etc.).


Chapter II – Determination of Social Impact and Public Purpose (Sections 4–9)

  • Section 4: Social Impact Assessment (SIA) is mandatory.

  • Section 5–7: Public hearings and expert group review of SIA.

  • Section 8: Final SIA report to identify public purpose and displacement.

  • Section 9: Government’s decision based on SIA.


Chapter III – Special Provision for Food Security (Section 10)

  • Section 10: Restricts acquisition of multi-cropped and irrigated land unless absolutely necessary.


Chapter IV – Notification and Acquisition (Sections 11–16)

  • Section 11: Preliminary notification for acquisition.

  • Section 12–13: Objections and public hearing.

  • Section 14–16: Declaration of acquisition; land survey and taking possession.


Chapter V – Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Sections 16–22)

  • Section 16–18: Identification of affected families.

  • Section 19–22: R&R scheme must be approved and disclosed publicly.


Chapter VI – Procedure and Manner of Compensation (Sections 23–30)

  • Section 23: Market value determination.

  • Section 24: Double compensation for rural areas.

  • Section 26–30: Compensation calculation includes solatium, assets, trees, etc.


Chapter VII – National and State R&R Authorities (Sections 43–51)

  • Sections 43–51: Establish national and state-level authorities to monitor R&R.


🔹 Chapter VIII – Establishment of Land Acquisition, R&R Authority (Sections 51–74)

  • Sections 51–74: Tribunal for grievance redressal and dispute resolution.


🔹 Chapter IX – Apportionment and Payment (Sections 75–78)

  • Sections 75–78: Details of how compensation is distributed and disputes settled.


🔹 Chapter X – Temporary Occupation of Land (Sections 79–83)

  • Section 79: Government can temporarily occupy land for public purpose.

  • Section 80–83: Compensation and restoration after occupation.


🔹 Chapter XI – Offences and Penalties (Sections 84–89)

  • Section 84–89: Penalties for false information, misconduct, and non-compliance.


🔹 Chapter XII – Miscellaneous (Sections 90–114)

  • Includes:

    • Return of unused land (Section 101).

    • Exemptions under certain conditions.

    • Power to make rules.


📋 Schedules:

  • Schedule I: Compensation components (including land value, solatium, assets).

  • Schedule II: R&R entitlements for landowners.

  • Schedule III: R&R for livelihood losers (landless laborers, tenants, etc.).


🏛️ Key Differences Between 2013 Act and 1894 Act
Aspect1894 Act2013 LARR Act
  • Purpose of Acquisition
  • Vague and broad “public purpose”
  • Clearly defined “public purpose” with limitations on      private  company use
  • Consent Requirement
  • No consent needed
  • Consent of 80% (private projects) and 70% (PPP projects) is mandatory
  • Social Impact Assessment (SIA)
  • Not required
  • Mandatory SIA for most projects before acquisition
  • Compensation
  • Based on market value only
  • 2x market value in urban areas4x in rural areas + solatium (100%)
  • Rehabilitation & Resettlement
  • Not included
  • Mandatory R&R for landowners and livelihood losers (even non-landowners)
  • Return of Unused Land
  • No provision
  • Land must be returned if unused for 5 years (or as specified in project plan)
  • Multi-crop Land Protection
  • No restriction
  • Restrictions on acquiring multi-crop irrigated land
  • Transparency & Participation
  • Low; minimal public hearing
  • Enhanced transparency, mandatory public hearings, Gram Sabha consultation
  • Dispute Resolution
  • Through regular civil courts
  • Dedicated Land Acquisition and R&R Authorities for quicker resolution
  • Urgency Clause
  • Often misused; gave immediate possession powers
  • Severely restricted; only in cases like natural disaster or national security
  • Private Purchase of Land
  • Regulated only via land registration
  • States can regulate private purchase through notification and rules
  • Scope
  • Focused only on landowners
  • Includes tenants, sharecroppers, artisans, displaced workers, etc.

Key Definitions 

Term         Definition
Public Purpose                         Activities serving community needs like roads,                                             hospitals, etc.
Affected Family                          Family losing land or livelihood due to acquisition
Social Impact Assessment (SIA)                         Study to assess the effects of land acquisition
Solatium                         Additional 100% payment for forced acquisition
Rehabilitation & Resettlement                         Support for those displaced due to acquisition

🔍 Summary of Major Improvements:


  • From Landowner-Centric to People-Centric
     approach.

  • Ensures fair compensationrehabilitation, and social justice.

  • Emphasizes transparencyaccountability, and participatory planning.

Land Acquisition Act, 2013 – Quiz

Land Acquisition Act, 2013 – Full Quiz (30 Questions)

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