STATE OF U.P. vs RAM KUMARI DEVI

The Supreme Court addressed the determination of compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, specifically under Section 4(1) and Section 18. The Court emphasized that the assessment of compensation must reflect the prevailing market value and that the burden lies on the landowner to prove this value. The Court held that the High Court's reduction of compensation to Rs.3.30 per sq. ft. was erroneous, as it relied on inflated sale deeds created post-acquisition awareness, and thus, the compensation should be reassessed based on prudent market value principles.