Haryana State Handloom & Handicraftu vs Jain Shool Society

The Supreme Court held that the delay of over 22 years in filing a Writ Petition challenging the land acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act was unjustifiable, as the Respondents had previously sought enhancement of compensation and failed to demonstrate any valid grounds for the delay. The Court emphasized that mere non-use of the land did not constitute sufficient grounds for delay, nor did claims of fraud or reliance on other litigations justify the lengthy wait. The appeal against the Punjab and Haryana High Court's judgment allowing the Writ Petition was thus dismissed, reinforcing the principle that laches can bar relief in land acquisition matters under Section 4 and Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act.