The Supreme Court has ordered the Meerut Development Authority to deposit the full enhanced compensation awarded in a group of land acquisition disputes dating to 1987, while asking the Allahabad High Court to decide the pending appeals on priority.
The Reference Court raised compensation from ₹20 or ₹27 per square yard to ₹690 or ₹720. The High Court had stayed implementation on a 50% cash deposit and security for the balance.
Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu directed the authority to deposit the entire enhanced sum within four weeks. Claimants may receive 8.33%, without prejudice to the appeals, while the balance must remain in auto-renewing fixed deposits. If the authority ultimately succeeds, the released amount must be returned.
The 8 October 2026 order requests disposal, where convenient, within six months. Claimants may seek a further release if valid reasons prevent that timetable.