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Citing principle of fairness, SC awards farmers more compensation than they sought

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9 years ago

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Citing principle of fairness, SC awards farmers more compensation than they sought

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In a path-breaking judgment, SC hikes compensation sum from Rs 115 per square yard to Rs 297 per square yard

~By Sujit Bhar

In an extraordinary judgment, the Supreme Court on September 11 directed that some villagers in Uttar Pradesh, whose land had been acquired by the state at the rate of Rs 115 per square yard, actually deserved to be paid Rs 297 per square yard, even if the farmers had not demanded compensation at that rate.

In delivering this judgment – in the matter of Narendra & Ors. v State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors – the court made an  observation which should go down in history as a precedent as judgments come. The court observed that “the mere fact that the compensation which was claimed by some of the villagers was at lesser rate than the compensation which is ultimately determined to be fair compensation, should not be a ground to deny such persons appropriate and fair compensation on the ground that they claimed compensation at a lesser rate”.

The Allahabad High Court had granted compensation to the villagers – those whose land had been acquired by the state – at the rate of Rs 115 per square yard. However, the Supreme Court set aside this judgment and set the higher compensation limit, saying that the difference in compensation, along with other statutory benefits, was directed to be paid to them within a period of three months.

Why is this verdict special? That is because a fair consideration of a demand does not just look at the demand, but also to peripheral situations that exist, often beyond the field of view of the petitioner.

Justice is not a one-dimensional, monochromatic word. It encapsulates a philosophy that Plato gave birth to while considering the genesis of justice. Being fair is one way to describe it, but Plato, in using the Greek word “dikaisyne”, pushed it more towards “morality” or “righteousness”. While these, in ancient times, were the right duties of a man, they also take into consideration societal aspects of fairness and morality. If in one tradition honour killing is righteous and moral, it isn’t in another. That is a paradox that needs to be dealt with.

What Plato wanted to do was show that justice is the quality of soul, a lack of selfishness and a general belief that it was done for the general good. It would have had been difficult in a society where death for honour was a purely divine experience.

Over and above, societal expectations on compensation vary. How would a square yard of a person’s personal farmland, handed down through generations, and his or her only source of sustenance, be compensated? At stake is not only his income, but his/her very identity.

Those are philosophical considerations and the debate can be endless. In more prosaic terms, however, compensation is indemnification, payment of damages, making amends, that which is necessary to restore an injured party to his former position. Those are the legal peripherals, as per Black’s Law Dictionary. And in judging each and every aspect of that comes the question of morality. And that is where the Supreme Court judgement has scored high on principles. That is what makes this judgment extraordinary.

While it is common practice to assume that a demand has to be judged within the ambit of normal standards, it is also inferred that the demand can be considered as the upper limit in resolution of the debate. In this case, the top court went beyond that and assumed that the demands were probably not made with full knowledge of the market.  The apex court felt morally liable to adjudicate on moral guidelines.

The Indian Supreme Court deserves a big thank you for that.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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UGC NET June 2026 admit card released; candidates can download hall tickets online

The National Testing Agency has released UGC NET June 2026 admit cards. Candidates can now download their hall tickets from the official website before the examination begins on June 22.

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5 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the admit cards for the UGC NET June 2026 examination. Registered candidates can now download their hall tickets from the official UGC NET portal by logging in with their application credentials. The examination is scheduled to be conducted between June 22 and June 30, 2026.

The admit card is a mandatory document for entry to the examination centre and contains important details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, examination date, reporting time and allotted test centre. Candidates have been advised to carefully verify all information mentioned on the document after downloading it.

How to download the UGC NET admit card

Candidates can follow these steps to access their hall tickets:

  1. Visit the official UGC NET website.
  2. Click on the admit card download link.
  3. Enter the application number, date of birth or password, and security details.
  4. Submit the information to log in.
  5. Download and save the admit card.
  6. Take a printout for use on the examination day.

Important instructions for candidates

Candidates must carry a printed copy of the admit card along with a valid photo identity proof to the examination centre. The city intimation slip issued earlier is meant only for advance travel planning and cannot be used as a substitute for the admit card.

Applicants are also advised to check reporting timings, examination guidelines and centre details mentioned on the hall ticket well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.

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India News

Delhi records coolest day of June as rain brings relief from heat

Heavy rain and cloudy conditions helped Delhi record its coolest day of June, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting further relief from heat in the coming days.

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15 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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Delhi experienced a significant break from the intense summer heat after rainfall and cloudy skies pushed temperatures down, making it the coolest day of June so far.

The change in weather brought much-needed relief to residents who had been dealing with high temperatures and humid conditions over the past several weeks. Rainfall was reported in several parts of the national capital and adjoining NCR regions, leading to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures. Similar weather conditions have recently helped keep temperatures below normal across the city.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the combination of rain-bearing systems and cloud cover contributed to the cooler conditions. The weather department has indicated that pleasant weather is likely to continue, with chances of additional rainfall and thunderstorms over the next few days.

The rainfall not only lowered temperatures but also improved outdoor conditions after a prolonged spell of heat. Earlier this month, Delhi had experienced episodes of extreme weather, including heatwave conditions and dust storms, making the recent spell of rain a welcome change for residents.

IMD’s latest forecast suggests that while temperatures may gradually rise later in the week, intermittent rain and thunderstorms could continue to provide temporary relief from the summer heat.

Weather officials have advised people to stay updated on local forecasts as changing weather conditions could bring brief spells of rain, gusty winds and thunderstorms across Delhi-NCR.

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India News

Uddhav Sena MPs unreachable as Delhi meetings fuel fresh split speculation

Fresh uncertainty surrounds Shiv Sena (UBT) after several MPs reportedly became unreachable, with attention now focused on crucial meetings in Delhi.

Published

16 hours ago

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June 17, 2026

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Fresh political uncertainty has gripped the Shiv Sena (UBT) after several of its Lok Sabha MPs reportedly became unreachable, prompting senior leaders to make personal efforts to contact them amid growing speculation of a possible rebellion within the party.

Party chief Uddhav Thackeray and other senior leaders are understood to be reaching out to MPs as concerns grow over potential defections. The developments come ahead of a parliamentary committee meeting in Delhi, where several MPs from the Uddhav Thackeray camp are expected to gather.

Reports suggest that some MPs from the Shiv Sena (UBT) faction could hold discussions in the national capital alongside leaders from the rival Shiv Sena led by Eknath Shinde. Sources have indicated that a group of MPs may explore forming a separate faction in Parliament before potentially aligning with the Shinde-led camp, although no official announcement has been made.

Names being discussed in political circles include MPs such as Sanjay Dina Patil, Sanjay Deshmukh, Nagesh Patil Ashtikar, Omraje Nimbalkar, Bhausaheb Wakchaure and Sanjay Jadhav. However, at least one MP, Sanjay Dina Patil, has publicly rejected reports linking him to any rebel group.

Meanwhile, senior Uddhav camp leaders including Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai are expected to remain actively engaged in efforts to maintain party unity. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut has also been in Delhi amid the unfolding developments.

The latest episode has revived memories of previous political upheavals in Maharashtra and intensified speculation over whether the Shiv Sena (UBT) could face another significant organisational challenge in the coming days. As meetings continue in Delhi, political observers will be closely watching for any formal announcements from either camp.

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