ABDUL MAJEED SAHIB vs DISTRICT COLLECTOR KOLLAM

The Supreme Court ruled that the acquisition of land under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 lapsed due to the failure of the Land Acquisition Officer to make an award within the two-year period mandated by Section 11-A, introduced by Amendment Act 68 of 1984. The Court held that the statutory obligation to determine compensation within the specified timeframe is crucial, and failure to do so invalidates the acquisition. Consequently, the appeal was allowed, overturning the High Court's dismissal of the appellant's claim for compensation.