STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs SCENE SCREEN (P) LTD.

The Supreme Court examined the applicability of the West Bengal Estates’ Acquisition Act, 1953, particularly Section 6(1)(b), regarding the retention of land by the petitioner. The Court held that the petitioner was entitled to retain the lands as an intermediary despite the leases created prior to the Act's enforcement, emphasizing that the State could not collect rent from the lessee. The judgment of the Calcutta High Court was upheld, affirming the petitioner's rights over the leased lands.