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- Interpretation of Explanation (C) in Section 2(o) defining 'urban land' - Determination of vacant land in excess of the ceiling limit under the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 Analysis: The Supreme Court heard appeals against the judgment of the Allahabad High Court regarding the determination of excess land under the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976. The dispute revolved around the interpretation of Explanation (C) in Section 2(o) defining 'urban land.' The appellant argued for restoration of the District Judge's order, which declared a lesser area in excess of the ceiling limit compared to the competent authority's determination. The High Court set aside the District Judge's order based on its construction of the exclusion clause in the definition of 'urban land.' The key point of contention was whether the appellant's land, mainly used for agriculture, could be excluded from the ceiling limit due to being specified in a master plan made after the Act's commencement. The Court analyzed the Act's provisions, emphasizing that the determination of excess land should be based on the situation at the Act's commencement date. It highlighted that subsequent events, like the making of a master plan, should not alter the rights and liabilities crystallized at the Act's commencement. The Court reasoned that the exclusion clause in the definition of 'urban land' should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the Act's scheme, focusing on the master plan existing at the Act's commencement. Therefore, the Court concluded that the appellant's land, used for agriculture and specified in a master plan made after the Act's commencement, should not be excluded from the ceiling limit based on Explanation (C). Consequently, the Supreme Court allowed the appeals, setting aside the High Court's orders and restoring the District Judge's decision on the area of vacant land in excess of the ceiling limit. The judgment clarified the interpretation of the Act's provisions and the significance of the Act's commencement date in determining land holdings under the Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976.
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