LAKSHMI NARAIN MANDAL vs STATE OF BIHAR

The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Kosi Area (Restoration of Lands to Riayat) Act, 1951, affirming that the Deputy Collector of Land Reforms (DOLR) has the authority to restore lands to former raiyats under Section 3 of the Act. The Court ruled that the statutory limit for payment of compensation does not extinguish the right to restoration if the payment is made within the prescribed time frame. The appeal against the High Court's decision was dismissed, thereby allowing the restoration of lands to the respondents.