WARDINGTON LYNGDOH vs COLLECTOR, MAWKYRWAT

The Supreme Court addressed the validity of a reference for enhanced compensation under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1890, after the appellants had received compensation. The Court held that the appellants' objection to the award was valid despite prior acceptance of compensation, as Section 31(2) prohibits claims under Section 18 for those who accepted payment without protest. The Court emphasized that the Special Judicial Officer had the authority to reassess compensation under Section 23, leading to the conclusion that the High Court's reversal of the reference court's decision was incorrect.