In Brief
In this consolidated appeal, the State of Punjab challenged compensation awarded for lands acquired for the Ranjit Sagar Dam Project. The Reference Court granted uniform compensation of Rs. 1,600 per marla. The High Court upheld this award despite a 492-day delay in filing the State's appeal, both by declining condonation and affirming the compensation on merits without discussing the materials on record. The Supreme Court held that the delay should have been condoned in the interest of justice and that the High Court failed to adequately engage with the evidence. The appeals were allowed and remanded to the High Court for fresh consideration on merits.
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