Union Of India & Ors vs Mukesh Hans

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 17(4) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, emphasizing that the appropriate Government must apply its mind to the necessity of dispensing with the inquiry under Section 5A. The Court upheld the High Court's finding that the Lt. Governor of Delhi failed to consider prior attempts to acquire the land, leading to a vitiated decision. Consequently, the appeals by the Union of India were dismissed, affirming the need for proper procedural adherence in land acquisition matters.