In Brief
The appellants' land measuring 20 marlas was acquired by the government in 2004 for highway widening. After the initial compensation of ₹1.23 lakhs was deemed inadequate, the matter went through multiple rounds of arbitration and judicial review. The Supreme Court found that despite years of litigation and the Arbitrator's awards ranging from ₹41 lakhs to enhanced amounts per marla, the dispute remained unresolved. To ensure expeditious disposal and fairness, the Court appointed a retired Chief Justice as Arbitrator in place of the statutory officer to finally determine the quantum of compensation payable to the land owner."
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