State Of West Bengal & Ors vs Ratnagiri Engineering Pvt. Ltd. & Ors

The Supreme Court interpreted the proviso to Section 6(3) of the West Bengal Estates Acquisition Act, 1953, clarifying that intermediaries can retain certain lands despite vesting, provided they are utilized for gainful purposes within five years. The Court held that failure to utilize the retained land within the stipulated time allows the State to resume it, emphasizing the importance of productive use of land. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision regarding the interpretation of the Act.