CENTRAL COALFEILDS LTD. vs M/S. BHUBNESHWAR SINGH .

The Supreme Court ruled that under Section 21(2) of the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1971, the value of the stock of coking coal as of April 30, 1972, must be considered when determining the amount payable to the owner. The Court held that the management of the coal mine, taken over by the Central Government, necessitated a balance-sheet preparation that included stock-in-trade, aligning with normal commercial practices. The High Court's decision to credit the owner for the stock was upheld, affirming the owner's entitlement to the value of the coal stock as part of the settlement process.