A statutory board lacks the authority to unilaterally reverse a government land acquisition for a public purpose through a private agreement.

 Land Acquisition Act, 1894 — Sections 4 and 6 — Delhi Agricultural Produce Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1976 — Sections 4 and 6 — Land acquired under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 vests absolutely in the government upon possession — A statutory body, for whose benefit the land was acquired, cannot enter into a private agreement to return a portion of the land, as this would circumvent the law — Such an agreement is contrary to the fundamental policy of Indian law and constitutes a fraud on the state's sovereign power of eminent domain — An arbitral award upholding such an illegal agreement is against public policy and liable to be set aside.

DELHI AGRICULTURAL MARKETING BOARD, THROUGH ITS CHAIRMAN

Vs.

BHAGWAN DEVI (DEAD), THROUGH HER LR.

Land Acquisition—Development Charges—Acquired land is situated in the midst of well-developed area of the city—Deduction of 30% as development charges is not justified-Deduction of 10% held to be justified.

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Land and Property Law--Acquisition of land--Lapsing of Reservation--Land reserved under development plan--Land not acquired within 10 years of final plan and no steps under Land Acquisition Act were commenced--After 10 years, land owner served notice under Section 127 of Act of 1966 to authorities to acquire land, within six months or take steps to acquire it--No action from authorities--Reservation lapsed and land has to be released in favour of the appellan

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