In Brief
The Supreme Court allowed an appeal by landowners whose property was taken by the Himachal Pradesh government in 1972 without legal proceedings or compensation. Despite facing delay of 38 years before filing suit, the Court held that the State cannot hide behind laches when it illegally dispossessed citizens without due process. The Court found the State's conduct arbitrary—it selectively paid compensation to some landowners who approached courts while ignoring others similarly situated. Applying constitutional protections under Articles 300-A and 136, the Court directed the State to treat the land as acquired and pay compensation with statutory interest and benefits within four months, awarding the appellants Rs. 50,000 for costs.
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