📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Jorge Royan
Politics
Landowners Need Not Consent for Power Lines: Section 164 of Electricity Act Explained
✍️ Live Law
🗓 12 Sep 2026, 07:38 PM
👁 17
Under Section 164 of the Electricity Act, landowners are not required to give consent for laying power transmission lines, though compensation will be provided.
The Electricity Act, 2003, specifically Section 164, states that landowners are not required to grant consent for the construction of power transmission lines. This provision allows utility companies to proceed with infrastructure projects without the need for individual landowner approvals, thereby expediting the deployment of electricity networks.
While consent is waived, the Act mandates that affected landowners receive compensation. The compensation is calculated based on the value of the land and the impact of the transmission line, ensuring that owners are financially compensated for the use of their property.
The move is aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and accelerating the expansion of power infrastructure across India. However, it has sparked debate among landowners and civil society groups who argue that the lack of consent could undermine property rights.
Legal experts note that the compensation clause is intended to balance the need for rapid development with the protection of individual property rights, but they caution that the implementation of compensation mechanisms must be transparent and fair.
While consent is waived, the Act mandates that affected landowners receive compensation. The compensation is calculated based on the value of the land and the impact of the transmission line, ensuring that owners are financially compensated for the use of their property.
The move is aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and accelerating the expansion of power infrastructure across India. However, it has sparked debate among landowners and civil society groups who argue that the lack of consent could undermine property rights.
Legal experts note that the compensation clause is intended to balance the need for rapid development with the protection of individual property rights, but they caution that the implementation of compensation mechanisms must be transparent and fair.