In Brief
The State of Punjab appealed against the High Court's dismissal of its appeal in land acquisition proceedings for the Ranjit Sagar Dam Project. The High Court had dismissed the State's appeal both for delay (492 days) and on merits, upholding the Reference Court's uniform compensation award of Rs 1,600 per marla without discussing supporting materials. The Supreme Court allowed the appeal, condoning the delay as justified by the State's affidavit and finding it necessary in the interest of justice. The Court remanded the matter to the High Court for fresh consideration on merits, noting the High Court's failure to discuss the evidentiary basis for the award. The State was directed to take action against officers responsible for the delay."
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