Odisha Begins Landmark Land Return to Farmers in Vedanta University Case

The Odisha government is set to return land, initially acquired for Vedanta University, to farmers following court orders. The process is expected to complete soon, with conditional return of compensation previously given. This marks a significant precedent in land restitution cases within the state.

In a significant legal and administrative development, the Odisha government has announced its final preparations to return land acquired for the proposed Vedanta University back to its original farmer owners. This follows a directive from the court as confirmed by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

The minister emphasized that the remaining modalities will be completed within a day or two, although farmers who had received compensation for their acquired land will have to repay the funds. In addition, government land allocated for the project will revert to state revenue records.

The move follows years of legal dispute, originating when Vedanta Limited signed an agreement with the state in 2006 to establish a university in Puri district. Legal challenges culminated in a Supreme Court decision in 2023 upholding a previous high court directive to return the land, setting a precedent in the state.

(With inputs from agencies.)