The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has issued a stay on land acquisition proceedings for housing schemes in Ayodhya, managed by the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad. This decision came after the court heard a batch of 11 writ petitions arguing that the ongoing acquisitions under the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad Act of 1965 do not provide adequate compensation compared to the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013. The petitioners contended that the older law would deprive landowners and farmers of enhanced benefits, leading to acquisitions at unfair prices. The court noted that the 1965 Act appeared less beneficial and has directed all parties to maintain the status quo at the sites until further hearings, which are set to continue on Thursday. The court also indicated that if the state or housing body fails to present arguments, they may submit written statements instead.