India, July 1 -- For nearly two decades, a cluster of modest homes in Greater Noida existed in a state of uncertainty.

Built on tiny plots measuring between 100 and 200 square yards, these houses belonged to families that had poured their savings into securing a roof over their heads. Since 2007, however, the homes stood in the shadow of a land acquisition drive launched by the Uttar Pradesh government for Greater Noida's industrial expansion.

By an order released on June 25, the Supreme Court finally brought that uncertainty to an end.

Invoking its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do "complete justice", a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V Mohana exempted the houses of 16 home...