STATE OF MAHARASHTRA vs MAHARAU SRAWAN HATKAR

The Supreme Court addressed the jurisdiction of the Civil Court to award benefits under the Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act 68 of 1984. It held that the Civil Court's authority to determine compensation under Section 23(1) of the Land Acquisition Act is limited to the reference made for enhancement, and it cannot amend the decree post-award without specific legal empowerment. The Court concluded that the Civil Court lacked jurisdiction to grant the benefits of the Amendment Act, leading to the dismissal of the appeal by the State.