Shakuntala Devi vs State Of H.P.& Ors

The Supreme Court held that the Negotiated Supplementary Award dated 18.12.2009, which fixed compensation for structures and trees, was not a genuine negotiated settlement as it was determined unilaterally and in absentia. The Court emphasized that the appellant had not accepted the original Award and was entitled to seek statutory benefits under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The High Court's dismissal of the writ petition was set aside, allowing the appellant to pursue her claim for enhanced compensation.