In Brief
The State of Orissa appealed a High Court order approving a compromise sale of deity property to long-term occupants at Rs 45 lakhs. The Supreme Court remitted the matter to the Commissioner of Endowments to reconsider under the Odisha Hindu Religious Endowment Act, 1951. After the Commissioner reconsidered and endorsed the compromise as beneficial to the neglected institution, the Court fixed a final price at Rs 2.75 crores, reflecting current market value, the occupants' uninterrupted possession since 1956, and the deity's pressing financial need for repairs. The compromise was upheld as serving the institution's welfare while respecting settled occupation rights."
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