STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs M/S SINGELL TEA & AGRICUL.IND.LTD.

The Supreme Court addressed the jurisdiction of the Revenue Officer under the West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953, specifically Sections 4, 5, and 44(3). The Court held that the Revenue Officer's determination of rent was invalid as the respondent-company was not an intermediary and the tea estate was on free-hold land. The Court upheld the High Court's order directing the State to restore possession of the tea garden to the company, emphasizing the necessity of adhering to the stay order during pending proceedings.