SANTOSH KUMAR & ORS. vs CENTRAL WAREHOUSING CORPORATION & ANR.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 50(2) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, a Government, Company, or Local Authority cannot seek a reference under Section 18 for enhancement or reduction of compensation awarded by the Collector, except on grounds of fraud, corruption, or collusion. The Court ruled that the High Court erred in entertaining a writ petition under Article 226 challenging the Collector's award, as such challenges are barred by the Act. The judgment emphasized that the Collector's award is an offer by the Government and cannot be questioned by the acquiring authority, affirming the legal framework established by Sections 11, 18, 25, and 50(2).