BADRU (SINCE DECEASED) THROUGH LRS. HARI RAM vs NTPC LIMITED (FORMERLY NATIONAL THERMAL POWER CORPORATION LIMITED)

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the High Court of Himachal Pradesh which dismissed the appeals filed by NTPC and the State against the Reference Court's award under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The Court confirmed that the appellants, as landowners, were entitled to enhanced compensation of Rs.5,00,000 per bigha as determined by the Reference Court under Section 18 of the Act. The dismissal of the cross objection by the appellants was also upheld, as the respondents did not challenge the High Court's dismissal of their appeals, rendering that part of the order final.