PREM CHAND vs UNION OF INDIA

The Supreme Court held that the claimants are entitled to additional compensation under Section 23(1-A) of the Land Acquisition Act, as the award was not made on or before 30.04.1982, thus overruling the High Court's decision to deny this benefit. The Court also found that the compensation fixed by the High Court at Rs.39,300/- per bigha was inadequate, referencing the precedent set in Delhi Development Authority v. Bali Ram Sharma, which awarded Rs.76,550/- per bigha for similar lands. The Court set aside the High Court's order and directed that the claimants be compensated accordingly.