NEELAGANGABAI AND ANR. vs STATE OF KARNATAKA AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to set aside the compensation award under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, emphasizing that the respondent-Corporation was entitled to be heard before the reference was determined as per Section 20(c). The Court confirmed that the non-service of notice to the Corporation deprived it of the opportunity to present its case, rendering the previous judgment illegal. Consequently, the High Court's directive to re-open proceedings for fresh disposal was affirmed.