Supreme Court Stops Gujarat High Court’s Order on Adani Ports Land in Mundra
New Delhi, India – The Supreme Court of India has paused an order from the Gujarat High Court that aimed to reclaim land given to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd in Mundra, Gujarat. The Supreme Court’s bench, led by Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan, has asked the Gujarat government to respond to the petition filed by Adani Ports.
Adani Ports challenged the Gujarat High Court’s decision, seeking a temporary halt on the order. The land in question was allocated to Adani Ports in 2005. Adani Ports argued that they have lawfully possessed the land for nearly 20 years and that no harm has been caused to the public during this time.
The company stated that the High Court’s order was issued without proper notice or hearing, which they believe is unfair. They also mentioned that the land has been used for grazing cattle for over 20 years, and changing this now would cause significant damage to them.
The Gujarat High Court had directed the state government to resume certain lands based on an order from July 5, 2024. Adani Ports argued that this order was made without giving them a chance to present their objections. They also pointed out that the land was sold to them in 2005, and they have since made significant investments to develop it into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
Adani Ports highlighted that the High Court’s decision came after a long delay and questioned the legality of the resumption order. They also noted that the SEZ has created many jobs and that the High Court’s order could disrupt this.
The Supreme Court will now review whether the High Court’s order violated principles of natural justice by not allowing Adani Ports to respond before making a decision.
