Haji Mumtaz Hussain (Dead) Through ... vs State Of U.P.

The Supreme Court upheld the trial Court's decision that the appellant was entitled to compensation for the 171 shisham trees he purchased, rejecting the respondent's claim that the contract was invalid under Article 299 of the Constitution of India. The Court found that the Forest and Colonization Department's obstruction of the appellant's right to remove the trees was unjustified, and thus the appellant was entitled to damages for the illegal detention of his property. The Court affirmed the compensation awarded at Rs. 3 per cubic foot for timber and Rs. 100 per stock for fuel wood, thereby confirming the trial Court's decree.