UNION OF INDIA vs MUNSHA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of compensation under the Requisition and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952, specifically Sections 8 and 9. The Court held that the delay in appointing an arbitrator, which was 16 years in this case, necessitated the payment of interest to the respondents, despite the lack of explicit power for the arbitrator to award such interest. The Court affirmed the High Court's directive to release the compensation payment forthwith, emphasizing the obligation of the competent authority to ensure timely compensation as per the statutory provisions.