Mukul Rohatgi vs Tushar Mehta| “Why This Land?” Mukul Rohatgi's Strong Attack in Jaipur Metro Case

Case Title- ALOK KOTAHWALA AND ORS. Versus JAIPUR METRO RAIL CORPORATION LTD AND ORS, SLP(C) No. 16742-16743/2026 In today’s Supreme Court hearing on the Jaipur Metro land acquisition dispute, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi made detailed submissions challenging the acquisition of land for the Jaipur Metro depot at Sitapura. The Bench closely examined whether the authorities had properly considered objections raised by the landowners under Section 5A of the Land Acquisition Act, especially regarding the availability of alternative parcels of land nearby. During the hearing, Mukul Rohatgi relied on multiple Supreme Court judgments to argue that both the Land Acquisition Officer and the State Government acted mechanically without proper application of mind while rejecting objections. He pointed to specific alternative lands—including Indian Oil, RIICO and other nearby parcels—and argued that the petitioner’s objections were never meaningfully addressed despite detailed material being placed on record. The Supreme Court repeatedly questioned both sides on how such objections should be examined in law, whether the Land Acquisition Officer was exercising a quasi-judicial role under Section 5A, and what legal standard applies when alternate land is available for a public project. The Bench also sought clarity on previous High Court findings, the changing route of the Jaipur Metro, and whether the land remained essential for the project after expansion plans moved further ahead. A significant courtroom exchange followed on fairness in land acquisition, judicial review of public infrastructure decisions, and whether authorities can approve acquisition without giving clear reasons. The Court asked for written submissions and further documents on record before continuing final hearing.