STATE OF WEST BENGAL vs RATNAGIRI ENGINEERING PVT. LTD. .

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 period allows the State to resume it, emphasizing the need for productive use to prevent state intervention. The appeals were dismissed, affirming the High Court's decision regarding the interpretation of the Act.