UNION OF INDIA vs SENETH MUNDA .

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's order directing the Union of India to pay interest at the rate of 12% per annum on the awarded compensation amount from 22.6.2003 to 25.11.2006, as the payment was not made within the stipulated time. The Court clarified that the landowners are entitled to interest as per the terms set by the Arbitral Tribunal and the High Court, despite the Union's arguments regarding the payment of the awarded amount at a lower interest rate. The judgment reinforces the principle that timely compliance with arbitral awards is essential to avoid higher interest liabilities.