ASHOK KUMAR & ANR.ETC. vs STATE OF HARYANA

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of land acquisition compensation under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, specifically interpreting Section 25. The Court held that the compensation awarded by the Court cannot be less than the amount awarded by the Collector, as per the amended Section 25, which came into effect on 24.09.1984. The Court affirmed the principle that it is not bound by the claim made by the landowner and can determine just and fair compensation based on the circumstances of each case. The appeal was partly allowed, with the Court fixing the compensation at Rs. 250/- per square yard for the acquired land.