Aresh@ Ashok J. Mehta (D) By Prop. Lrs vs Spl. Tahsildar, Balgaum, Karnataka & ...

The Supreme Court ruled that under Section 44 of the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, 1961, the appellant-landlord is entitled to interest on the compensation amount from the date it became due, specifically from 1st March 1974, despite the compensation being paid in cash. The Court held that the Circular dated 24.11.1986, which denied interest on cash payments, is inconsistent with the provisions of the Act. The judgment of the High Court was modified to grant interest from the earlier date, affirming the landlord's right to timely compensation.