UNION OF INDIA vs BUDH SINGH

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of entitlement to interest under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, specifically under Section 34, which mandates interest payment when compensation is not paid at the time of possession. The Court held that the respondents are entitled to interest at the rate of 18% per annum from the date of possession on March 15, 1963, until the notification under Section 4(1) published on November 16, 1984. The Court affirmed the High Court's order regarding the payment of interest, emphasizing the jurisdictional powers of the court under the Act.