Ishwar Dutt vs Land Acquisition Collector And Anr

The Supreme Court addressed the appeals concerning the dismissal of claims for interest at 12% on compensation for land taken without formal acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court held that the High Court's earlier order mandating interest as equitable compensation was valid, emphasizing that the State's failure to initiate acquisition proceedings warranted such compensation. The Court upheld the High Court's directive for timely completion of acquisition proceedings and payment of interim compensation, reinforcing the principle of equitable relief in land acquisition matters.