STATE OF MAHARSHTRA vs DIGAMBAR

The Supreme Court held that the State of Maharashtra is liable to compensate the respondent for land utilized without consent for road works during the 1971-72 scarcity relief efforts, despite a 20-year delay in filing the writ petition under Article 226. The Court emphasized that the High Court's dismissal of the laches argument was justified, as the State's actions constituted a continuing violation of rights. The appeal by the State was dismissed, affirming the High Court's order for compensation.