SUPREME COURT GRANTS SIT ADDITIONAL TWO MONTHS TO PROBE EXCESS COMPENSATION IN NOIDA LAND ACQUISITION CASE:

The Supreme Court, in a recent hearing, extended the timeline for the Special Investigation Team (SIT) by an additional two months to finalize its probe into allegations of excessive compensation awarded to landowners in Noida. The bench, comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and NK Singh, was addressing a case stemming from an anticipatory bail plea by a Noida law officer. This plea highlighted claims that certain landowners received inflated payments despite not being eligible. Earlier court orders had initiated preliminary inquiries into these overpayments and potential collusion between officials and landowners.

During the session, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Noida Authorities, requested more time to submit a counter affidavit. The bench noted that the SIT had already provided a status report and was seeking an extension to wrap up the investigation. The Chief Justice instructed the team to conclude within approximately two months, reducing the requested three-month period, emphasizing that ample time had already been allocated. Senior Advocate Siddharth Dave, appearing for intervening farmers, pointed out that a prior application for protection had been approved by the court, but the latest order forming the SIT omitted any reference to extending that safeguard. The Chief Justice reassured that the farmers would remain protected, but clarified that such protection would depend on whether the excess payments resulted from genuine errors, in which case legal entitlements would apply. He further stated that the SIT would have unrestricted authority to scrutinize all aspects and deliver a comprehensive report.

The court acknowledged the SIT's status report from October 26, 2025, commending the progress made thus far and expressing confidence in the team's ability to bring the investigation to a logical conclusion. In response to the extension request, the bench approved two more months for completion, requiring a fresh status report thereafter. Interim protections for the farmers were extended, and the Noida Authorities were permitted to file an additional affidavit. Additionally, the court had previously imposed restrictions on project developments in Noida, mandating prior Environmental Impact Assessments and approvals from its green bench. A new SIT, consisting of three Indian Police Service officers, was established to replace the prior one and undertake an expanded mandate.

The investigation originated in January 2025, when the court first directed an SIT probe. By August, the initial SIT submitted findings revealing that exorbitant compensation had been disbursed in 20 specific cases. It also noted that enhanced payments were made in 1,198 instances, exceeding the 1,167 cases authorized by court directives. The report identified culpable Noida officials linked to those 20 cases. To assess possible collusion between beneficiaries and officials, the SIT recommended examining bank accounts of the officers and their families, as well as those of the landowners, along with asset acquisitions during the relevant timeframe and records dating back over a decade. It proposed forming an independent agency specialized in disproportionate assets cases, incorporating financial transaction experts.

Regarding Noida's overall operations, the report praised ongoing efforts but criticized the authority for being predominantly reactive rather than proactive. It highlighted resident grievances over delayed responses and insufficient complaint resolutions. The governance model was described as overly centralized, with power concentrated among a few individuals and decision-making lacking transparency. Key decisions often bypassed public oversight, and there was a noted absence of routine reporting on project progress. Land allocation policies were seen as biased toward developers. To address these issues, the SIT suggested replacing the current setup with a metropolitan corporation, appointing a Chief Vigilance Officer, establishing a High Court-monitored committee to define Noida's powers, conducting regular third-party audits for financial integrity, organizing frequent public meetings, forming a citizen advisory board, and emphasizing environmental assessments.

In response to this August report, the court issued detailed directives on August 13. The Director General of Police in Uttar Pradesh was tasked with forming a new SIT of three IPS officers to probe the flagged issues, particularly those related to collusion and overpayments. This team was to initiate preliminary inquiries, involving forensic experts and the state's Economic Offences Wing. If evidence of cognizable offenses emerged, the SIT was authorized to register cases and proceed legally. The head of the SIT, at least at the Commissioner of Police level, was required to submit status reports. To promote transparency and citizen focus in Noida's operations, the report was to be forwarded to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary for presentation to the Council of Ministers. The Chief Secretary was also directed to appoint a Chief Vigilance Officer from the IPS or on deputation from the Comptroller and Auditor General, and to ensure the creation of a citizen advisory board within four weeks. No projects in Noida could proceed without prior environmental assessments approved by the Supreme Court's green bench. Finally, where prior sanctions were needed to prosecute officers under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the competent authority was obligated to grant them within two weeks of application.