In Brief
The State of Odisha granted a 90-year leasehold to Bichitrananda Das in 1981. In 2003, a scheme allowed conversion to freehold, but only for lessees without unauthorized occupation. The respondent applied for conversion but had encroached on adjacent government land. After 11 years of proceedings and demands to remove the encroachment, the State finally approved conversion in 2014 but at rates then applicable, not 2003 rates. The High Court ordered 2003 rates. The Supreme Court held that conversion charges must be calculated as of the final decision date, not application date, as the applicant must first comply with policy conditions (removing encroachment). The appeal was allowed and the High Court's judgment set aside.
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