UNION OF INDIA & ORS vs NORTH TELUMER COLLIERY & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under the Coal Mines (Nationalisation) Act, 1973, interest accrued on the compensation amount must be made available to the Commissioner to meet the debts and liabilities of the mine owners, rather than being exclusively paid to the owners. The Court clarified that the interpretation of Section 18(5) does not support the High Court's view that interest belongs solely to the owners, as it would lead to unjust enrichment without discharging liabilities. The appeals were allowed, overturning the High Court's decision.