Land Acquisition by Odisha Government Vitiated by Favouritism towards Vedanta University: SC

The Supreme Court (SC) noting that S.44B of Land Acquisition Act, 1984, specifically bars the acquisition for a private company, upheld the order of Odisha High Court (OHC), quashing the land acquisition by Odisha Government for the proposed Vedanta University. The SC further, said that the entire acquisition process was initiated at the instance of a single company (Vedanta Foundation); thus, it is vitiated by mala fides and favourism and is a clear case of non-application of mind.