​On April 22, 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled that land acquisition proceedings will lapse if the final award is not passed within two years of the declaration, unless the delay is stayed by the court. This decision reinforces Section 11-B of the erstwhile J&K Land Acquisition Act, which mandates that if an award is not made within two years from the date of the declaration, the entire acquisition process becomes void.

The case involved a petitioner who challenged the acquisition of his land, arguing that although a declaration was made, no final award was issued within the stipulated period. The court agreed, emphasizing that the failure to pass the award within the two-year timeframe invalidates the acquisition proceedings.

This judgment underscores the importance of adhering to statutory timelines in land acquisition processes, ensuring that landowners’ rights are protected and that the government follows due process.​

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