In Brief
Mahanadi Coal Fields Ltd sought review of directions to disburse compensation to tribal landowners whose lands were acquired in Sundergarh, Odisha in 1988–1990 for coal mining. After 34 years without payment, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that September 2010 (survey date) is the uniform cut-off for compensation across all 14 villages. The Court held that the R&R Act, 2013 applies to villages where reports were not approved before August 2015, requiring re-determination. Displaced families must receive resettlement plots or ₹25 lakhs cash compensation, employment or cash in lieu, and all amenities under the R&R Act within prescribed timelines. SC/ST status of displaced families must be preserved. Compensation disbursement and employment offers must be completed within six months and one year respectively. All further disputes shall be decided by the High Court, not the Supreme Court.
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