SMT. RATNI DEVI & ANR. vs CHIEF COMMISSIONER, DELHI & ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed two key issues regarding the Land Acquisition Act: the validity of compensation related to the notification under Section 4 and the legality of the planned development of Delhi. The Court upheld that the notification dated 13 November 1959 under Section 4 is beyond challenge, reaffirming its validity in light of previous rulings, including Aflatoon & Ors. v. Lt. Governor of Delhi. The Court also clarified that challenges to compensation adequacy under Section 23 are permissible, but the public purpose of acquisition is presumed reasonable under Article 31(5) of the Constitution.