In Brief
The Supreme Court resolved a contempt petition against the West Bengal State for allegedly violating court orders to acquire property and pay compensation. The petitioners' deceased father owned land that the State had taken over without following due acquisition procedures. After years of litigation, the High Court directed the State to properly acquire the property, pass a formal award, and pay compensation within six months. When the State attempted to pay via an alternative 'direct purchase policy' instead, the Supreme Court held this violated the court's directions. The Court directed the State to pass a formal Award in accordance with law as per the High Court's directions and pay compensation accordingly within four weeks."
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