M/S. Steel Authority Of India Ltd vs S.U.T.N.I. Sangam & Ors

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, concerning the rights of landowners to seek enhanced compensation. The Court held that acceptance of compensation without protest results in the forfeiture of the right to seek a reference under Section 18, thereby affirming the validity of the clarificatory order issued by the authorities. The judgment clarified the procedural requirements for landowners seeking compensation enhancement and upheld the rejection of late applications for reference.