In Brief
Century Rayon Limited sought to construct electricity transmission towers on land owned by IVP Limited. The landowner obtained an interim injunction to stop the work. The Supreme Court held that the Telegraph Act empowers electricity distributors to lay transmission lines on private land for public benefit, subject to full compensation to the owner. Since 80% of work was complete, the balance of convenience did not justify continuing the injunction. The Court allowed the appeal, permitting construction to resume on condition of an ad hoc payment of Rs. 20 lakhs, with final compensation to be determined through Telegraph Act proceedings or civil suit.
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