NARAIN DAS JAIN (SINCE DECEASED) BY L.RS. vs AGRA NAGAR MAHAPALIKA, AGRA

The Supreme Court held that solatium, defined as 'money comfort', is a statutory entitlement under Section 23(2) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, and must be awarded automatically alongside compensation for land acquisition. The Court emphasized that the award of solatium is not discretionary and should be granted in every case, as it is integral to the compensation package. The Court allowed the appeal, ruling that solatium must accrue interest from the date of dispossession until payment, thereby enhancing the compensation awarded by the High Court.