3. Section 4(4) of the RFCTLARR Act, 2013, states that -

The Social Impact Assessment study referred to under Section 4(1) shall amongst other matter, include all the following, namely -

a. Assessment to whether the proposed acquisition serves public purpose

b. Estimation of affected families and the number of families among them likely to be displaced

c. Extent of lands, public and private, houses, settlements, and other common properties likely to be affected by the proposed acquisition

d. Whether the extent of land proposed for acquisition is the absolute bare minimum extent needed for the project

e. Whether land acquisition at an alternate place has been considered and found not feasible

f. Study of social impacts of the project, and the nature and cost of addressing them and the impact of these costs on the overall costs of the project vis-à-vis the benefits of the project.

Provided that an Environment Impact Assessment study, if any, shall be carried out simultaneously and shall not be be contingent upon the completion of the Social Impact Assessment study.

The Appropriate Government shall also ensure that the Social Impact Assessment report is evaluated by an independent multi-disciplinary Expert Group. The Appropriate Government must also ensure that, there is a legitimate and bona fide Public Purpose for the proposed acquisition which necessitates the acquisition of the land identified and the potential benefits and the Public Purpose shall outweigh the social costs and adverse social impact.