ISHWAR DUTT vs LAND ACQUISITION COLLECTOR

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of compensation for land taken without formal acquisition under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court upheld the High Court's directive for the State of Himachal Pradesh to pay interest at 12% per annum as equitable compensation from the date of possession until payment of final compensation, emphasizing that this interest is in addition to statutory compensation. The judgment reinforced the necessity for timely acquisition proceedings and compensation, thereby affirming the rights of landowners under the Act.