In Brief
This case involved multiple appeals concerning compensation determination under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Supreme Court held that circle rates prescribed for stamp duty purposes cannot be the sole basis for determining land compensation. Market value must be assessed on objective criteria considering the property's nature and situation. While expert committees following prescribed scientific procedures may provide relevant evidence, parties retain the right to adduce counter-evidence. The Court set aside the High Court judgment and remitted the matters for fresh adjudication before the Reference Court.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.