In Brief
The appellants, legal representatives of Jugal Kishore whose land was acquired in 1964-1981, received compensation 18 years after the award without prior notice. Their application under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act for re-determination was dismissed as barred by limitation. The Supreme Court held that despite the bar, they remain entitled to apply under Section 28-A to claim the enhanced compensation awarded to similarly situated landowners. The Court granted indulgence to permit a belated application, exercising its Article 142 powers given the appellants' illiteracy, lack of awareness, and family losses. The Collector must entertain the application within three months and determine appropriate compensation without interest.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.