Mahesh Lall Seal & Ors vs Union Of India & Others

The Supreme Court held that the Award of the Arbitrator dated 25.10.2000 was valid and not null and void, rejecting the Union of India's contention that there was no referable dispute under Section 8(1)(a) of the Requisitioning and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952. The Court emphasized that the claimants had a legitimate claim for compensation under Section 18(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, and the appointment of the Arbitrator was justified. The appeal was dismissed, upholding the High Court's decision to allow the arbitration proceedings.