MAHANADI COALFIELDS LTD vs THE STATE OF ODISHA

The Supreme Court examined the validity of the demand for Rs. 70 lakhs towards land premium imposed by the District Magistrate & Collector, which was challenged by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. The case involved the acquisition and vesting of lands under the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957, and the subsequent orders by the Central Government transferring rights to Western Coalfields Limited. The Court analyzed whether the land acquisition and transfer procedures complied with statutory provisions and whether the demand was justified. The Court upheld the High Court's decision, dismissing the appeal and confirming the land premium demand.