TEJ KAUR vs STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court held that the mandatory inquiry under Section 5A of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 was not conducted in the appellants' case, violating their right to a personal hearing regarding objections to land acquisition. The Court emphasized that the duty to afford an opportunity of being heard is essential and any failure in this regard renders the acquisition proceedings illegal. Consequently, the appeals were allowed, and the acquisition was deemed invalid due to non-compliance with statutory requirements.