KHUB CHAND AND ORS. vs STATE OF RAJASTHAN & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that the requirement of public notice under Section 4(1) of the Rajasthan Land Acquisition Act, 1953, is mandatory, and non-compliance renders the entire acquisition proceedings void. The Court emphasized that the purpose of the notice is to inform landowners of the intention to acquire their land, and failure to provide such notice makes the entry of officials unlawful. The High Court's dismissal of the petition on grounds of delay was found to be erroneous, as the appellants had valid reasons for their objections.