EAST INDIA COAL COMPANY LIMITED vs EAST BULLIAREE KENDWADIH COLLIERY CO.P. LIMITED AND OTHERS

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision that Respondent Nos. 1 and 2, as raising contractors, qualify as 'owners' under Section 3(a) of the Coking Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1972, and are entitled to pro-rata compensation for their investments in machinery and equipment. The Court clarified that the definition of 'owner' includes occupiers of the mine, thus allowing multiple parties to claim compensation. The appeal by the appellant was dismissed, affirming the entitlement of Respondent Nos. 1 and 2 to compensation as per the Act's provisions.