Holding

Section 11A applies only where the 80% payment under s.17(3A) is not complied; if the payment is made, the land vests absolutely and the acquisition does not lapse, with the landowner’s remedy being enforcement of the award for the remaining compensation.

Summary

The Supreme Court examined a land acquisition under the urgency provision of Section 17 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, where the acquiring authority failed to tender 80% of the estimated compensation before taking possession and also did not pass an award within two years as required by Section 11A. The Court held that the mandatory payment of 80% under sub‑section (3A) is a pre‑condition for absolute vesting; where it is complied, Section 11A does not cause the acquisition to lapse, and the landowner’s remedy is to compel the issuance of the award for the balance compensation. Conversely, where the 80% payment is not made, possession is not lawful, the land does not vest absolutely and Section 11A applies, leading to lapse of the proceedings if the award is not made within two years. The Court also clarified that the decision in Satendra Prasad Jain does not lay down a blanket rule exempting all Section 17 acquisitions from Section 11A. Accordingly, the Court directed the respondents to determine market value as of 09‑06‑2008 and award compensation with interest, while limiting the relief to the appellant alone. The appeal was disposed of.

Issues considered

Whether tendering and paying 80% of the estimated compensation under s.17(3A) is mandatory for absolute vesting of land acquired under the urgency provision.
Whether the time‑limit for award under s.11A applies to acquisitions notified under s.17.
Whether the decision in Satendra Prasad Jain v. State of U.P. is binding ratio decidendi on the above questions.

Legislation cited

Constitution of Indias. Article 300A, s. Article 31A
Land Acquisition Act, 1894s. 11, s. 11A, s. 16, s. 17(1), s. 17(3A), s. 17(4), s. 23, s. 31, s. 34, s. 5A, s. 6, s. 9
Land Acquisition (Amendment) Act, 1984
Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013s. 24(2)

Subjects

Land acquisitionUrgency provisionSection 17Section 11ACompensationAbsolute vestingStatutory interpretationConstitutional lawArticles 300AArticles 31A

Judgment

[2022] 19 S.C.R. 757 757

M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. A
v.
STATE OF U.P. & ANR.
(Civil Appeal No. 24 of 2009)
OCTOBER 14, 2022 B
[S. ABDUL NAZEER, A. S. BOPANNA AND
V. RAMASUBRAMANIAN, JJ.]
Land Acquisition Act, 1894 – ss.11A, 17(3A) – Is the
requirement to tender payment of 80% of the estimated compensation
as contemplated under sub-section(3A) to s.17 of, 1894 Act, C
mandatory to ensure absolute vesting of the notified land; Whether
the requirement to pass the award within the time frame contemplated
u/s.11A applicable to the acquisition notified u/s.17 of 1894 Act –
Held: Provision contained in s.11 of 1894 Act, shall be applicable
to cases in which the acquiring authority has not complied with the D
requirement of sub-section (3A) to s.17 of 1894 Act by tendering
and paying eighty per centum of the estimated compensation before
taking possession since possession in such cases cannot be
considered to be taken in accordance with law and the vesting is
not absolute – If the requirement is complied and possession is taken
after tendering and paying eighty per centum, though there is need E
to pass an award and pay the balance compensation within a
reasonable time, the rigour of s.11A of 1894 Act will not apply so
as to render the entire proceedings for acquisition to lapse in the
context of absolute vesting – The right of land loser in such case is
to enforce passing of the award and recover the compensation. F
Land Acquisition Act, 1894 – s.17(1), (3A) – “shall”, “before
taking possession”, “thereupon” – Purport of – Held: The word
employed in sub-section (3A) of s.17 of 1894 Act is “shall” and it
is to be tendered and paid “before taking possession” – Hence it
cannot be understood as providing any discretion to the acquiring
G
authority – In fact, the last sentence of sub-section (1) of s.17 uses
the word “thereupon” with respect to vesting – This word “thereupon”
is correlated to taking possession and payment in terms of sub-
section (3A) is a sine qua non for taking possession – Therefore, (1)
payment of 80% (2) taking over possession thereafter and (3) vesting
of land in the government take place in a sequence. H
757
758 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A Interpretation of Statutes – Held: If the plain meaning of the
provision does not admit of any ambiguity no other external aid
will be necessary to interpret the provision except to give it the plain
meaning.
Constitution of India – Articles 300A, 31A – Held: In view of
B Articles 300A and 31A of the Constitution, the owner of land can
be divested only in accordance with law after appropriately
compensating if such land is required by the State for public purpose.
Disposing of the appeal, the Court
HELD: 1.1 If the plain meaning of the provision does not
C admit of any ambiguity no other external aid will be necessary to
interpret the provision except to give it the plain meaning. [Para
9][767-B-C]
1.2 In the normal circumstance, the process for acquisition
would commence with the notification under Section 4, after which
D the procedure under Section 5A is complied. The declaration
under Section 6 is thereafter made, when the requirement of the
land for public purpose is confirmed. Thereafter, the process for
determining the compensation and taking possession through
Section 11 and Section 16 of Act, 1894 is contemplated, which is
E undertaken after issue of notice under Section 9 of Act, 1894. In
so far as the said process, in order to protect the interest of the
land loser to be compensated within a time frame, failing which,
to give him benefit of his own land, Section 11A was inserted by
Act 68 of 1984, w.e.f 24.09.1984. The said provision leaves no
ambiguity whatsoever that if the award is not made within the
F period of two years from the date of publication of the declaration
under Section 6 of Act, 1894, the entire proceedings will stand
lapsed. The only option for the acquiring authority if the land is
still required for the public purpose is to notify afresh from the
stage of issuing notification under Section 4 of Act, 1894. The
G computation of two years would however exclude the period if
the process was stayed by an order of the Court. [Para 11][769-
F-H; 770-A-B]
1.3 So far so good, the question however is as to whether
the rigour of Section 11A of Act, 1894 will apply when the
appropriate Government exercises its special power in cases of
H
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 759
OF U.P & ANR.

urgency, which does not contemplate the same procedure as in A
the normal acquisition process noted above. In this regard also
this Court in Yusufbhai Noormohmed Nandoliya has held Section
11A is applicable to acquisition under Section 17, though without
detailed discussion. From the provision of Section 17 reproduced
supra, it is seen that the acquiring authority will be entitled to
B
take possession without taking recourse to the procedure which
is otherwise provided under Section 16 of Act, 1894 wherein it
contemplates the passing of an award before taking possession.
But under Section 17 of Act, 1894, possession is permitted to be
taken even before the award is passed. Though such power was
absolute earlier, sub--section (3A) was inserted by Act 68 of 1984, C
w.e.f 24.09.1984 whereby the pre- condition imposed before taking
possession is that 80% of the estimated compensation is to be
tendered and paid to the persons interested in the land. The
tendered amount should be paid unless prevented by one or more
of the contingencies mentioned in Section 31(2) of Act, 1894. It
D
would necessarily mean that Section 31 will come into play and
the 80% of the estimated compensation amount, though no award
is passed, will have to be tendered and paid to the persons
interested. If tendered, but not able to pay due to valid reasons,
it is to be deposited in Court. The word employed in sub-section
(3A) of Section 17 of the Act, 1894 is “shall” and it is to be E
tendered and paid “before taking possession”. Hence it cannot
be understood as providing any discretion to the acquiring
authority. In fact, the last sentence of sub-section (1) of Section
17 uses the word “thereupon” with respect to vesting. This word
“thereupon” is correlated to taking possession and payment in
F
terms of sub-section (3A) is a sine qua non for taking possession.
Therefore (1) payment of 80% (2) taking over possession
thereafter and (3) vesting of land in the government take place
in a sequence. Absent anyone of these in the sequence, the
emergency provision fails. It is a pre- requisite condition to
acquire and take possession of the land since such acquisition is G
permitted by exempting the requirement of the procedure under
Section 5A and possession is permitted to be taken prior to an
award being passed under Section 11 of Act, 1894. [Para 12][770-
C-H; 771-A-B]
H
760 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A 1.4 That apart, sub-section (4) to Section 17 of Act, 1894
provides the discretion to the appropriate Government to waive
the application of the provisions of Section 5A and make the
declaration under Section 6 in respect of the land at any time
after the initial publication of the notification under Section 4 of
Act, 1894. This makes it clear that even in a case where the
B
appropriate Government exercises its power to invoke the
special power in case of urgency, all other procedure contemplated
under the Act except the requirement under Section 5A of Act,
1894 is to be complied. Therefore, after issue of the initial
notification under Section 4 read with Section 17(1) and on taking
C possession after issue of notice under Section 9, the declaration
under Section 6 of Act, 1894 is to be made so as to complete the
process of acquisition, which indicates that the objection to
acquisition of land shall alone stand muted and not the right to
compensation which is to be paid in strict compliance of the
requirement in that regard. Hence, insofar as payment of
D
compensation for the acquired land even if it is acquired under
Section 17 of Act, 1894, it is evident that an award as contemplated
under Section 11 of Act, 1894 is required to be passed so as to
determine the compensation payable. Since sub--section (3A) to
Section 17 mandates payment of 80% of the estimated
E compensation, such amount paid would get included in the amount
to be determined and offered through the award. In that context
it is clear that Section 17(4) contemplates, that the declaration is
to be made under Section 6 even when an urgency provision is
invoked and an award under Section 11 is to be passed to
determine the compensation. However, on a careful composite
F
perusal of all the provisions noted above, it is evident that the
requirement to tender and pay 80% of the estimated
compensation before taking possession assumes significance so
as to carve out an exception for non--applicability of ‘lapsing’ as
contemplated under Section 11A of Act, 1894. This is so, since
G the terms “vesting absolutely” and “lapsing” cannot co-exist and
cannot go hand in hand. Post amendment w.e.f 24.09.1984, two
elements have been inserted in Section 17 for the land to vest
absolutely in the Government for public purpose even before
the award is passed. One, is that possession should be taken.
The other is, by inserting sub-section (3A) it has been made
H
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 761
OF U.P. & ANR.

mandatory to tender payment of 80% of estimated compensation A
before taking possession. Therefore, 80% of the estimated
compensation, the payment of which only if tendered and paid,
the vesting would become absolute and in such event the
consequence of lapsing in respect of absolutely vested land cannot
occur and as such, in that circumstance alone Section 11A hough
B
applicable will not take effect. The right of the land loser would
be to enforce passing of award which will include the balance
20% of compensation even if it is beyond two years and get
adequately compensated in terms of Section 23 and 34 of Act,
1894 for the delay if any. [Paras 13-15][771-B-H; 772-A-C]
1.5 Section 11A though applicable to the cases of C
acquisition initiated under Section 17(1) of Act, 1894 the
consequence of it will not affect the case where the land has
absolutely vested on compliance of sub-section (3A) to Section
17 of Act, 1894 and 80% of estimated compensation is tendered
and paid. Hence, when there is a challenge by the land loser, D
each case will have to be considered on its own merits to
determine whether the pre-requisite condition to tender and pay
as contemplated under sub-section (3A) is made before
possession is taken. If in the case concerned the mandatory
prerequisite is not complied, such acquisition will loose its
character as being under Section 17 and if the award is not passed E
within two years from the date of the declaration, it will lapse and
not otherwise. The benefit of said provision is available only to
be invoked by the land loser and cannot be invoked by the
acquiring authority to claim lapse by pointing to non- compliance
since the ‘vice’ of non-compliance cannot be permitted to be F
converted into a ‘virtue’. The acquiring authority and/or
beneficiary cannot derive benefit of non-compliance of
requirement of Section 17(3A) and take benefit of Section 11A of
Act, 1894. The benefit of the provision is for the land loser. In
Satendra Prasad Jain also this Court was of the opinion that it
was not open for the acquiring authority or the beneficiary to G
take benefit of Section 11A and Section 17(3A) which is intended
to benefit the land owner to ensure that award be made within
time. Hence it is clear that Satendra Prasad Jain does not lay
down the ratio that the acquisition does not lapse under any
H
762 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A circumstance if the urgency provision under Section 17 of Act,
1894 is invoked but it only disapproved applying it against the
land loser. [Paras 17, 20][772-H; 777-F-H]
Satendra Prasad Jain vs. State of U.P (1993) 4 SCC
369 : [1993] Supp 2 SCR 336 – clarified.
B 1.6 The decision in this case based on the principle of law
settled herein, if it arises for consideration in any other case under
Act, 1894 or any other enactment relating to land acquisition
containing pari materia provisions shall be applied only
prospectively and cases which have attained finality shall not be
C reopened. The provision contained in Section 11A of Act, 1894
shall be applicable to cases in which the acquiring authority has
not complied with the requirement of sub-section (3A) to Section
17 of Act, 1894 by tendering and paying eighty per centum of the
estimated compensation before taking possession since
possession in such cases cannot be considered to be taken in
D accordance with law and the vesting is not absolute. If the
requirement is complied and possession is taken after tendering
and paying eighty per centum, though there is need to pass an
award and pay the balance compensation within a reasonable time,
the rigour of Section 11A of Act, 1894 will not apply so as to render
E the entire proceedings for acquisition to lapse in the context of
absolute vesting. The right of land loser in such case is to enforce
passing of the award and recover the compensation. In the instant
case though Section 11A of Act, 1894 has become applicable, in
the changed circumstance we deem it proper to mould the relief
instead of holding the acquisition to have lapsed. Hence for the
F reasons stated above, it is directed as follows: The respondents
shall construe 09.06.2008 as the relevant date and determine
the market value prevailing as on that date applying the yardstick
under Act, 1894 in respect of the acquired land. To calculate the
statutory benefits on such amount including interest, the same
G shall be determined by taking into consideration the date of the
Section 4 notification dated 17.04.2002 since the appellant was
dispossessed on 04.02.2003 pursuant to the same. The date on
which the fresh award is passed pursuant to this judgment and
communicated shall be the date of cause of action for seeking
enhancement of compensation if the appellant is dissatisfied with
H
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 763
OF U.P. & ANR.

the quantum of compensation offered. The compensation A
determined in this case shall not give the cause of action to any
other land loser whose land is acquired under the same
notification to seek re-determination of compensation. [Paras 25
and 26][779-D-H; 780-A-F]
Coffee Board, Karnataka, Bangalore vs. Commissioner B
of Commercial Taxes, Karnataka and Others (1988) 3
SCC 263 : [1988] 1 Suppl. SCR 348; Yusufbhai
Noormohmed Nandoliya vs. State of Gujarat and Anr.
(1991) 4 SCC 531 : [1991] 1 Suppl. SCR 158; Indore
Development Authority vs. Manoharlal & Others (2020)
8 SCC 129 : [2020] 3 SCR 1; Laxmi Devi vs. State of C
Bihar (2015) 10 SCC 241 : [2015] 11 SCR 179;
Allahabad Development Authority vs. Nasiruzzaman &
Ors (1996) 6 SCC 424 : [1996] 5 Suppl. SCR 435;
Deptt. of Telecommunications vs. Madan Mohan
Pradhan (1995) 4 Suppl. SCC 268 : [1995] 5 Suppl. D
SCR 1; Banda Development Authority vs. Moti Lal
Agarwal (2011) 5 SCC 394 : [2011] 7 SCR 435 -
referred to.
Case Law Reference
[1988] 1 Suppl. SCR 348 referred to Para 10 E

[1991] 1 Suppl. SCR 158 referred to Para 10
[2020] 3 SCR 1 referred to Para 18
[2015] 11 SCR 179 referred to Para 19
F
[1996] 5 Suppl. SCR 435 referred to Para 19
[1995] 5 Suppl. SCR 1 referred to Para 19
[2011] 7 SCR 435 referred to Para 19
[1993] Supp 2 SCR 336 clarified Para 20
G
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No.24 of
2009.
From the Judgment and Order dated 28.08.2006 of the High Court
of Judicature at Allahabad in Civil Misc. Writ Petition No.22251 of 2006.
H
764 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A Sudhir Chandra, Sr. Adv., Rakesh Singh, Arun K. Sinha, Bhagabati
Prasad Padhy, Achintya Dvivedi, Advs. for the Appellants.
Ravindra Raizada, ASG, Ravindra Kumar, Sr. Adv., Binay Kumar
Das, Ms. Priyanka Das, Ms. Neha Das, Ajai Kumar, Ms. Saloni Sharan,
Rajeev Kumar Dubey, Ashiwan Mishra, Ms. Vaidruti Mishra, Kamlendra
B Mishra, Dinesh Kumar Garg, Dhananjay Garg, Abhishek Garg, Ishaan
Tiwari, Advs. for the Respondents.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
A. S. BOPANNA, J.
1. This appeal has a chequered history.The appeal was heard by
C a Bench consisting of two Hon’ble Judges (Justice A.K. Ganguly and
Justice Swatanter Kumar) and was decided by the Judgment dated
18.08.2011 with divergent opinion. In the process, after consideration,
Hon’ble Justice A.K. Ganguly arrived at the conclusion that taking over
possession of the land without complying the requirement under Section
D 17(3A) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short ‘Act, 1894’) is clearly
illegal and in violation of the statutory provision which automatically
violates the constitutional guarantee under Article 300A of the
Constitution. However, on taking note that the land had been utilised and
developed by the beneficiary of the acquisition, had allowed the retention
of the land by directing to pass an award by construing the date of filing
E the writ petition i.e. 01.03.2006 as the date of Section 4 notification to
reckon the market value as against the actual date of notification. Hence
allowed the appeal in those terms.
2. On the other hand, Hon’ble Justice Swatanter Kumar, however,
disagreed with the said conclusion and for the separate reasons assigned
F by the learned Judge, arrived at the conclusion that Section 11A of Act,
1894 has no application to acquisition under Section 17 of Act, 1894. It
was further held that the default in complying with Section 17(3A) of
Act, 1894 does not invalidate or vitiate the entire acquisition proceedings.
The learned Judge while deciding so had however misconstrued that
80% of the estimated value in terms of sub-section (3A) of Section 17
G
had been paid to the land loser and in that context held that the interest
provided in terms of Section 34 will be payable. In that view, the learned
Judge ordered dismissal of the appeal in terms of the directions issued.
3. In that backdrop, in view of the divergence of opinion between
the learned Judges, they had ordered the matter to be placed before
H Hon’ble the Chief Justice of India for reference to a larger Bench to
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 765
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

resolve the conflict. It is in that circumstance Hon’ble the Chief Justice A
has ordered the matter to be placed before a Bench consisting of three
Judges. However, no specific question has been formulated and referred
for decision by a three-member Bench. Hence, we have heard the matter
based on the factual aspects involved in this case de-novo, so as to
determine the legal aspects which touch upon the same.
B
4. It would therefore be necessary for us to at the outset take
note of the factual matrix involved in this case. The New Okhla Industrial
Development Authority (NOIDA) – Respondent No.2 was to implement
a planned Industrial layout in Gautam Budh Nagar District for which
purpose the requisite land was to be acquired. The project was envisaged
by the State of U.P–Respondent No.1 as a part of planned Industrial C
Development. Hence, Respondent No.1 being the appropriate
Government, issued the Notification dated 17.04.2002 invoking the special
power due to urgency. The Notification was therefore issued under
Section 4(1) read with Section 17(1) and (4) of Act, 1894, whereby the
requirement of procedure under Section 5A of the Act, 1894 was D
dispensed. Pursuant thereto, the declaration under Section 6 of the Act,
1894 was notified and published on 22.08.2002 declaring that the area
was required by the Government for planned industrial development. It
was also stated that after the expiry of 15 days from the date of publication
of notification under sub-section (1) of Section 9 of the Act, 1894,
possession of the acquired land will be taken. E

5. In the large extents of land that was notified, an extent measuring
2-06-1/3-0 Bighas situated in village Haldauni, Tehsil and Pargana Dadri,
District Gautam Budh Nagar, an ‘Abadi’ land was also included. The
Appellant, a company incorporated under the provisions of the Companies
Act, 1956 claims to be the owner of the said small extent of land. The F
Appellant alleges that they were not served with the notice contemplated
under Section 9(1) of Act, 1894. However, it is not disputed that possession
was nevertheless taken on 04.02.2003. But the grievance raised by the
Appellant is that neither the initial requirement of tendering and paying
80% of the estimated compensation contemplated under sub-section (3A) G
to Section 17 of Act, 1894 was complied nor was the requirement of
Section 11A of the Act, 1894 to pass the award within two years from
the date of declaration under Section 6 of Act, 1894 complied. In that
view, the Appellant filed the writ petition on 01.03.2006 since more than
three and half years had elapsed and neither of the provisions had been
H
766 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A complied. The appellant therefore contended that the acquisition in so
far as the land belonging to the Appellant has lapsed and the same should
revert to the Appellant.
6. The High Court having considered the matter was of the opinion
that Section 11A of Act, 1894 is not attracted to the proceedings for
B acquisition in exercise of the power under Section 17 of Act, 1894. In
that regard, the High Court relied on the decision of this Court in Satendra
Prasad Jain Vs. State of U.P (1993) 4 SCC 369 and dismissed the writ
petition by order dated 28.08.2006, which has given rise to the above
appeal which was earlier heard by a Bench consisting of two Hon’ble
Judges who have differed as noted supra. While taking note of the decision
C in Satendra Prasad Jain, rendered by a Bench of three Hon’ble Judges,
Justice A.K. Ganguly has found it to be sub-silentio and per incuriam
in the face of the provision contained in the statute. Justice Swatanter
Kumar, the other Hon’ble Judge however relied on the decision in
Satendra Prasad Jain (supra) holding that compliance with Section
17(3A) of the Act, 1894 is not mandatory. Hence even in the circumstance
D
of non- compliance, the benefit of interest as provided in Section 34 of
the Act, 1894 was held as the entitlement. Section 11A of Act, 1894 was
also held not applicable to the acquisition under Section 17 of Act, 1894.
Though detailed reasons have been tendered by both the learned Judges
for their respective opinion and has also been referred to by the learned
E Senior Counsel for the parties, we do not propose to go into the same
since the entire matter has been placed before us and the case put forth
by the parties is to be independently examined by us.
7. In the above background we have heard Shri Sudhir Chandra,
learned senior counsel for the appellant, Shri Ravindra Kumar, learned
senior counsel for the Respondent No.1, Shri Ravindra Raizada, learned
F
senior counsel for Respondent No.2, exhaustively and have perused the
appeal papers.
8. In the light of the contentions urged, the following questions
arise for our consideration.
a. Is the requirement to tender payment of 80% of the
G estimated compensation as contemplated under
sub-section(3A) to Section 17 of Act, 1894, mandatory to
ensure absolute vesting of the notified land.
b. Whether the requirement to pass the award within the time
frame contemplated under Section 11A applicable to the
H acquisition notified under Section 17 of Act, 1894.
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 767
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

c. Can the case in Satendra Prasad Jain (supra) be A
considered as a decision laying down ratio decidendi on
the above questions?
9. In order to decide the scope and ambit of the provisions under
consideration it would be appropriate to reproduce Section 11A and
Section 17 of the Act, 1894 in its entirety and keep the same in B
perspective. Needless to mention that if the plain meaning of the provision
does not admit of any ambiguity no other external aid will be necessary
to interpret the provision except to give it the plain meaning. The relevant
provision read as hereunder:
“Section 11A- Period within which an award shall be made- C
(1) The Collector shall make an award under section 11 within a
period of two years from the date of the publication of the
declaration and if no award is made within that period, the entire
proceeding for the acquisition of the land shall lapse:
Provided that in a case where the said declaration has been D
published before the commencement of the Land Acquisition
(Amendment) Act, 1984, the award shall be made within a period
of two years from such commencement.
Explanation - In computing the period of two years referred to in
this section, the period during which any action or proceeding to E
be taken in pursuance of the said declaration is stayed by an order
of a Court shall be excluded.”
“Section 17- Special powers in case of urgency – (1) In cases
of urgency whenever the [appropriate Government], so directs,
the Collector, though no such award has been made, may, on the F
expiration of fifteen days from the publication of the notice
mentioned in section 9, sub-section (1), [take possession of any
land needed for a public purpose]. Such land shall thereupon [vest
absolutely in the [Government], free from all encumbrances.
(2) Whenever, owing to any sudden change in the channel of
G
any navigable river or other unforeseen emergency, it becomes
necessary for any Railway Administration to acquire the immediate
possession of any land for the maintenance of their traffic or for
the purpose of making thereon a river-side or ghat station, or of
providing convenient connection with or accesses to any such
station, [or the appropriate Government considers it necessary to H
768 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A acquire the immediate possession of any land for the purpose of
maintaining any structure or system pertaining to irrigation, water
supply, drainage, road communication or electricity,] the Collector
may, immediately after the publication of the notice mentioned in
sub-section (1) and with the previous sanction of the [appropriate
Government], enter upon and take possession of such land, which
B
shall thereupon [vest absolutely in the [Government]] free from
all encumbrances:
Provided that the Collector shall not take possession of any
building or part of a building under this sub-section without giving
to the occupier thereof at least forty-eight hours’ notice of his
C intention so to do, or such longer notice as may be reasonably
sufficient to enable such occupier to remove his movable property
from such building without unnecessary inconvenience.
(3) In every case under either of the preceding sub-sections the
Collector shall at that time of taking possession offer to the persons
D interested compensation for the standing crops and trees (if any)
on such land and from any other damage sustained by them caused
by such sudden dispossession and not excepted in section 24;
and, in case such offer is not accepted, the value of such crops
and trees and the amount of such other damage shall be allowed
E for in awarding compensation for the land under the provisions
herein contained.
[(3A) Before taking possession of any land under
sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), the Collector shall, without
prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (3)-
F (a) tender payment of eighty per centum of the compensation
for such land as estimated by him to the persons interested
entitled thereto, and
(b) pay it to them, unless prevented by some one or more of
the contingencies mentioned in section 31, sub-section (2), and
G where the Collector is so prevented, the provisions of section
31, sub-section (2) (except the second proviso thereto), shall
apply as they apply to the payment of compensation under that
section.
(3B) The amount paid or deposited under section (3A), shall
H be taken into account for determining the amount of
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 769
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

compensation required to be tendered under section 31, and A
where the amount so paid or deposited exceeds the
compensation awarded by the Collector under section 11, the
excess may, unless refunded within three months from the date
of Collector’s award, be recovered as an arrear of land
revenue].
B
[(4) In the case of any land to which, in the opinion of the
[appropriate Government], the provisions of sub-section (1) or
sub- section (2) are applicable, the [appropriate Government]
may direct that the provisions of section 5A shall not apply,
and, if it does so direct, a declaration may be made under section
6 in respect of the land at any time [after the date of the C
publication of the notification] under section 4, sub-section (1).”
10. At the outset, the learned senior counsel for Respondent No.1,
in an attempt to sustain the acquisition strenuously contended with regard
to eminent domain of the State in the matter of acquisition of land for
public purpose and relied upon the case in Coffee Board, Karnataka, D
Bangalore Vs. Commissioner of Commercial Taxes, Karnataka and
Others (1988) 3 SCC 263. To be fair to him, though we have noted, we
are however clear on that aspect that the State has the power. But the
position of law is also well established that in view of Articles 300A and
31A of the Constitution, the owner of land can be divested only in E
accordance with law after appropriately compensating if such land is
required by the State for public purpose. Since such power of eminent
domain is not in dispute, we need not advert to the decision referred in
detail.
11. In the normal circumstance, the process for acquisition would F
commence with the notification under Section 4, after which the
procedure under Section 5A is complied. The declaration under Section
6 is thereafter made, when the requirement of the land for public purpose
is confirmed. Thereafter, the process for determining the compensation
and taking possession through Section 11 and Section 16 of Act, 1894 is
contemplated, which is undertaken after issue of notice under Section 9 G
of Act, 1894. In so far as the said process, in order to protect the interest
of the land loser to be compensated within a time frame, failing which, to
give him benefit of his own land, Section 11A was inserted by Act 68 of
1984, w.e.f 24.09.1984. The said provision leaves no ambiguity
whatsoever that if the award is not made within the period of two years H
770 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A from the date of publication of the declaration under Section 6 of Act,
1894, the entire proceedings will stand lapsed. The only option for the
acquiring authority if the land is still required for the public purpose is to
notify afresh from the stage of issuing notification under Section 4 of
Act, 1894. The computation of two years would however exclude the
period if the process was stayed by an order of the Court. This aspect
B
has been clarified by this Court in Yusufbhai Noormohmed Nandoliya
Vs. State of Gujarat and Anr. (1991) 4 SCC 531, placed for our
consideration by the learned senior counsel for the appellant.
12. So far so good, the question however is as to whether the
rigour of Section 11A of Act, 1894 will apply when the appropriate
C Government exercises its special power in cases of urgency, which does
not contemplate the same procedure as in the normal acquisition process
noted above. In this regard also this Court in Yusufbhai Noormohmed
Nandoliya (supra) has held Section 11A is applicable to acquisition under
Section 17, though without detailed discussion. From the provision of
D Section 17 reproduced supra, it is seen that the acquiring authority will
be entitled to take possession without taking recourse to the procedure
which is otherwise provided under Section 16 of Act, 1894 wherein it
contemplates the passing of an award before taking possession. But
under Section 17 of Act, 1894, possession is permitted to be taken even
before the award is passed. Though such power was absolute earlier,
E sub-section (3A) was inserted by Act 68 of 1984, w.e.f 24.09.1984
whereby the pre-condition imposed before taking possession is that 80%
of the estimated compensation is to be tendered and paid to the persons
interested in the land. The tendered amount should be paid unless
prevented by one or more of the contingencies mentioned in Section
F 31(2) of Act, 1894. It would necessarily mean that Section 31 will come
into play and the 80% of the estimated compensation amount, though no
award is passed, will have to be tendered and paid to the persons
interested. If tendered, but not able to pay due to valid reasons, it is to be
deposited in Court. The word employed in sub-section (3A) of Section
17 of the Act, 1894 is “shall” and it is to be tendered and paid “before
G taking possession”. Hence it cannot be understood as providing any
discretion to the acquiring authority. In fact, the last sentence of
sub-section (1) of Section 17 uses the word “thereupon” with respect to
vesting. This word “thereupon” is correlated to taking possession and
payment in terms of sub-section (3A) is a sine qua non for taking
H possession. Therefore (1) payment of 80% (2) taking over possession
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 771
OF U.P & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

thereafter and (3) vesting of land in the government take place in a A
sequence. Absent anyone of these in the sequence, the emergency
provision fails. It is a pre- requisite condition to acquire and take
possession of the land since such acquisition is permitted by exempting
the requirement of the procedure under Section 5A and possession is
permitted to be taken prior to an award being passed under Section 11 of
B
Act, 1894.
13. That apart, sub-section (4) to Section 17 of Act, 1894 provides
the discretion to the appropriate Government to waive the application of
the provisions of Section 5A and make the declaration under Section 6 in
respect of the land at any time after the initial publication of the notification
under Section 4 of Act, 1894. This makes it clear that even in a case C
where the appropriate Government exercises its power to invoke the
special power in case of urgency, all other procedure contemplated under
the Act except the requirement under Section 5A of Act, 1894 is to be
complied. Therefore, after issue of the initial notification under Section 4
read with Section 17(1) and on taking possession after issue of notice D
under Section 9, the declaration under Section 6 of Act, 1894 is to be
made so as to complete the process of acquisition, which indicates that
the objection to acquisition of land shall alone stand muted and not the
right to compensation which is to be paid in strict compliance of the
requirement in that regard.
E
14. Hence, insofar as payment of compensation for the acquired
land even if it is acquired under Section 17 of Act, 1894, it is evident that
an award as contemplated under Section 11 of Act, 1894 is required to
be passed so as to determine the compensation payable. Since sub-section
(3A) to Section 17 mandates payment of 80% of the estimated
compensation, such amount paid would get included in the amount to be F
determined and offered through the award. In that context it is clear that
Section 17(4) contemplates, that the declaration is to be made under
Section 6 even when an urgency provision is invoked and an award
under Section 11 is to be passed to determine the compensation.
15. However, on a careful composite perusal of all the provisions G
noted above, it is evident that the requirement to tender and pay 80% of
the estimated compensation before taking possession assumes significance
so as to carve out an exception for non-applicability of ‘lapsing’ as
contemplated under Section 11A of Act, 1894. This is so, since the terms
“vesting absolutely” and “lapsing” cannot co-exist and cannot go hand H
772 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A in hand. Post amendment w.e.f 24.09.1984, two elements have been
inserted in Section 17 for the land to vest absolutely in the Government
for public purpose even before the award is passed. One, is that possession
should be taken. The other is, by inserting sub-section (3A) it has been
made mandatory to tender payment of 80% of estimated compensation
before taking possession. Therefore, 80% of the estimated compensation,
B
the payment of which only if tendered and paid, the vesting would become
absolute and in such event the consequence of lapsing in respect of
absolutely vested land cannot occur and as such, in that circumstance
alone Section 11A though applicable will not take effect. The right of the
land loser would be to enforce passing of award which will include the
C balance 20% of compensation even if it is beyond two years and get
adequately compensated in terms of Section 23 and 34 of Act, 1894 for
the delay if any.
16. But it is a different matter altogether, when Section 17(1) is
invoked but the requirement thereunder which is a pre-requisite condition
D is not complied. As noted, sub-section (3A) has been inserted w.e.f.
24.09.1984, whereunder it is made mandatory to tender and pay 80% of
the estimated compensation before taking possession. Therefore, even
if possession is taken, such possession cannot be considered as legal so
as to vest the land absolutely if the pre-requisite condition for payment
of 80% before taking possession is not complied. In such circumstance,
E by legal fiction it looses its character as an acquisition under Section 17
and since the absolute vesting does not take place, it will lapse if the
further process is not complied and the award is not passed within two
years from the date of declaration. However, even when the pre-condition
is not complied, if the land loser does not challenge the acquisition and/or
F taking of possession as illegal, but concedes to the position, the possession
taken does not become per-se illegal and the vesting will be absolute and
in such event it cannot be considered to have lapsed until the land loser
exercises the right. We consider it so, since, both Section 11A and
sub-section (3A) to Section 17 of Act, 1894 were inserted in Act,1894 to
enable the land losers to exercise their right conferred on them. As such,
G the said right is to be exercised by the land loser and none other, not
even the acquiring authority or beneficiary nor would the said provision
become automatically applicable unless it is triggered by the land loser.
17. Therefore, we are of the considered view that Section 11A
though applicable to the cases of acquisition initiated under Section 17(1)
H
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 773
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

of Act, 1894 the consequence of it will not affect the case where the A
land has absolutely vested on compliance of sub-section (3A) to Section
17 of Act, 1894 and 80% of estimated compensation is tendered and
paid. Hence, when there is a challenge by the land loser, each case will
have to be considered on its own merits to determine whether the
pre-requisite condition to tender and pay as contemplated under
B
sub-section (3A) is made before possession is taken. If in the case
concerned the mandatory prerequisite is not complied, such acquisition
will loose its character as being under Section 17 and if the award is not
passed within two years from the date of the declaration, it will lapse
and not otherwise. The benefit of said provision is available only to be
invoked by the land loser and cannot be invoked by the acquiring authority C
to claim lapse by pointing to non- compliance since the ‘vice’ of
non-compliance cannot be permitted to be converted into a ‘virtue’.
18. Though the learned counsel for the beneficiary- Respondent
No.2 placed reliance on the decision in Indore Development Authority
Vs. Manoharlal & Others (2020) 8 SCC 129 rendered by the Constitution D
Bench to contend that it has been held therein that “paid” as contained
in Section 24(2) of RFCTLARR Act, 2013 does not include deposit of
compensation in Court, we are of the considered opinion that the same
will not be applicable to the question under consideration before us in
this case. In the instant case, the requirement to tender and pay 80% of
the estimated compensation and the consequent lapsing as considered E
above is in the context of exercise of urgency provision which permits a
deviation from the normal process of acquisition and the payment
envisaged is to take benefit of the said provision. In contradistinction,
the consideration in the cited case is about the effect of Section 24 (2) of
Act, 2013 in the circumstance contemplated therein. F
19. In considering the effect of Satendra Prasad Jain (supra) it
would be appropriate to take note of the decision relied on by the learned
senior counsel for the appellant in Laxmi Devi Vs. State of Bihar (2015)
10 SCC 241 wherein it is analysed as hereunder:
“26. This is also in line with a plain reading of Section 17(1), G
which states that “once possession of the land is taken by the
Government under Section 17, the land vests absolutely in the
Government, free from all encumbrances”. In Section 48(1) the
taking over of the possession of the land is of seminal significance
in that the provision succinctly states that “the Government shall H
774 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A be at liberty to withdraw from the acquisition of any land the
possession of which has not been taken”. The next sub-section
covers calculation of compensation for the aborted occupation.
26.1. The same position came to be reiterated in Satendra Prasad
Jain by a three-Judge Bench of this Court. The acquisition
B proceedings including the exclusion of Section 5-A had obtained
the imprimatur of the Allahabad High Court; the urgency and public
purpose had received curial concurrence. Possession of the land
was taken by the State from the landowners. Previously, the special
leave petition filed by the landowners had been dismissed by this
Court. Ironically, the subsequent stance of the State was that the
C acquisition of land under the urgency provisions was required to
be set aside for the reason that the State had failed to pass an
award under Section 11 within two years and had also failed to
pay eighty per cent of the estimated compensation required under
Section 17(3-A). Whilst the State endeavoured to withdraw from
D the acquisition, the erstwhile landowners opposed it. This Court
directed the State “to make and publish an award in respect of
the said land within twelve weeks from today”. The
abovementioned discussion bears out that this Court was
concerned only with the issue of the land being returned by the
State to the erstwhile owner. It does not go so far as to limit or
E restrict the rights of landowners to fair compensation for their
expropriated property, as that is a constitutional right which cannot
be nullified, neutralised or diluted.
26.2. We think it justified to again refer to the opinion in Satendra
Prasad Jain that : (SCC p. 374, para 16)
F
“16. … Section 11-A cannot be so construed as to leave the
Government holding title to the land without the obligation to
determine compensation, make an award and pay to the owner
the difference between the amount of the award and the amount
of eighty per cent of the estimated compensation.”
G
26.3. The second issue, one that we feel must be kept in mind in
the interpretation in the law laid down by this Court, is the factual
matrices involved in both Satendra Prasad Jain and Avinash
Sharma. In both these precedents, as well as in innumerable others
that have relied upon them, the Government’s attempt was to
H misuse its own omissions to achieve its own oblique purposes. It
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 775
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

was in this context that this Court declined to accede to the pleas A
of the Government. This Court poignantly repelled the State’s
attempt to nullify the acquisition on the predication of its non-
compliance with Sections 16 and 17(3-A). The judicial intent was
not to cause any loss to landowners, but to protect them. The
pernicious practice that was becoming rampant, that is to make
B
partial compliance with the statute and to follow the acquisition
procedure in a piecemeal manner, and then to argue that its own
lapses rendered its acquisition illegal, was roundly repulsed.
Although this strictly constitutes obiter, we think it appropriate to
clarify that where the landowners do not assail the acquisition, it
may be open to them to seek a mandamus for payment to them, C
after a reasonable period, of the remaining compensation, which
will thereupon metamorphose from a mere estimation to the actual
compensation for the expropriation.
28. We do, however, recognise that Satendra Prasad Jain has
been interpreted more broadly in the past. In Allahabad D
Development Authority v. Nasiruzzaman, Deptt. of
Telecommunications v. Madan Mohan Pradhan and Banda
Development Authority v. Moti Lal Agarwal, this Court has
dismissed the landowners’ challenges to the respective acquisitions
on the basis of Avinash Sharma and Satendra Prasad Jain. It
is pertinent to note that all three of these cases were brief in their E
explanations of Avinash Sharma and Satendra Prasad Jain and
did not examine their rationes decidendi, their innate contradictions,
their intentions or their consequences at any length. We thus feel
it appropriate to rely on our own detailed exploration of these
cases, as opposed to simply placing reliance on the largely F
contradictory case law that has developed over the years. It was
for this reason that we had revisited the curial concept of ratio
decidendi.
29. The scenario before us depicts the carelessness and the
callousness of the State, quite different from the situation in G
Satendra Prasad Jain and Avinash Sharma. The appellants
herein are being denied just and fair compensation for their land
in proceedings which commenced in 1987, despite the directions
of the High Court passed as early as in 1988 to pass an award
within four months. The raison d’être behind the introduction of
H
776 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A Section 11-A was for the landowners to have a remedy in the
event of an award not being passed expeditiously. If Satendra
Prasad Jain is interpreted to mean that Section 11-A will not
apply to any acquisition under the urgency provisions, landowners
such as the appellants before us will have no protection, even if
they are not paid full compensation for their land for decades.
B
This cannot be in keeping with the legislative intent behind this
section. Furthermore, keeping empirical evidence in sight, we make
bold to opine that circumstances require this Court to reconsider
its view that even if the stated public interest or cause has ceased
to exist, any other cause can substitute it, especially where the
C urgency provisions have been invoked.
30. We feel it imperative to distinguish between the setting aside
of an acquisition and the reversion of possession to the erstwhile
landowners. While the LA Act and the judgments discussed above
do not allow for the latter, we are of the considered opinion that
D this does not necessarily imply that the former is also not an option.
Both the abovementioned cases dealt with a factual situation in
which the Government was attempting to set the acquisition of
the land at naught so that they would not have to pay compensation
to acquire it. Setting aside of the acquisition in those cases was
tantamount to reverting the possession to the original owners. In
E this scenario, however, the two do not have to go hand in hand. In
allowing the acquisition of land that the Government finds
necessary to be set aside, we would not necessarily be holding
that the land revert to the appellants, as the alternative of permitting
the Government to keep possession provided it reacquires the
F land with a new Section 4 notification exists. This option, particularly
in the present factual matrix, does the least violence to the intent
and content of the LA Act, in that it upholds Section 11-A even in
cases of acquisition under Section 17 while preserving the
requirement of Section 17 that the unencumbered possession of
the land remain vested in the Government. It also protects the
G rights of the landowners, thus fulfilling the intent of Section 11-A,
while allowing the Government to acquire land in cases of
emergencies without its title being challenged, which is the avowed
intention of Section 17. Any other interpretation of the law would
serve to protect only those landowners who had approached the
H
M/S DELHI AIRTECH SERVICES PVT. LTD & ANR. v. STATE 777
OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

court to stop the Government from undoing an emergency A
acquisition, while leaving in the cold equally aggrieved landowners
seeking to enforce their right to fair compensation for their land.
Even equity demands that the party bearing the consequence of
the delay in the award ought not to be the innocent landowner, but
the errant State.”
B
20. We are in agreement with the opinion expressed in Laxmi
Devi (supra) by a Bench of two Hon’ble Judges. In our opinion also the
philosophy based on which the decision in Satendra Prasad Jain (supra)
was rendered is as contained in para-17, which reads as hereunder:
“17. In the instant case, even that 80 per cent of the estimated C
compensation was not paid to the appellants although Section 17
(3-A) required that it should have been paid before possession of
the said land was taken but that does not mean that the possession
was taken illegally or that the said land did not thereupon vest in
the first respondent. It is, at any rate, not open to the third
respondent, w ho, as the letter of the Special Land D
Acquisition Officer dated June 27, 1990 shows, failed to
make the necessary monies available and who has been in
occupation of the said land ever since its possession was
taken, to urge that the possession was taken illegally and
that, therefore, the said land has not vested in the first E
respondent and the first respondent is under no obligation
to make an award.”
(Emphasis supplied)
We have also in our view indicated above that the acquiring
authority and/or beneficiary cannot derive benefit of non- compliance of F
requirement of Section 17(3A) and take benefit of Section 11A of Act,
1894. The benefit of the provision is for the land loser. In Satendra
Prasad Jain (supra) also this Court was of the opinion that it was not
open for the acquiring authority or the beneficiary to take benefit of
Section 11A and Section 17(3A) which is intended to benefit the land G
owner to ensure that award be made within time. Hence it is clear that
Satendra Prasad Jain (supra) does not lay down the ratio that the
acquisition does not lapse under any circumstance if the urgency provision
under Section 17 of Act, 1894 is invoked but it only disapproved applying
it against the land loser.
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778 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A 21. In the above background it is noted that in the instant acquisition
from which this case arises, an extent in all measuring 63.540 acres
(101-15-17, 5/6 Bighas) was acquired through the declaration under
Section 6 of Act, 1894 for which a sum of Rs. 7,48,67,857.73 being 80%
is stated to have been deposited by Respondent No.2 – Beneficiary,
with Respondent No.1 and the balance amount is also deposited on
B
21.12.2002 so as to enable the collector to enter into an agreement with
the landowners and pay compensation. Insofar as the extent of land
belonging to the appellant, it is stated by Respondent No.1 that a letter
dated 01.01.2003 was issued calling upon the appellant to come forward
and execute an agreement. Thereafter there is no effort to tender and
C pay 80% of the estimated compensation or to pass an award, which
prompted the appellant to file the writ petition before the High Court.
22. From the sequence of events, it is clear that the other land
losers have entered into an agreement and received compensation. The
appellant on the other hand was neither tendered nor paid 80% of the
D estimated compensation as required under sub-section (3A) to Section
17 before taking possession nor was an award passed and compensation
paid within two years from the date of declaration under Section 6 of
Act, 1894.
23. In the normal circumstance, the acquisition would lapse insofar
E as the appellant’s land in view of our conclusion on the legal aspect.
However, in the fact situation, the relief is required to be moulded. This
is for the reason that the land belonging to the appellant is not a
stand-alone extent. As noted, the acquisition was for a planned industrial
layout and the total extent acquired and possession taken was 101-15-
17, 5/6 bighas of which, the land belonging to the appellant is only 2-06-1/
F 3-0 bighas. In the planned layout, the land has been utilized for various
purposes and amenities. A ‘Mandi’ has been constructed over a larger
extent of land of which the smaller extent of land belonging to the
appellant also forms a part. Hence reversion of the land does not arise.
Further, the course as suggested in Laxmi Devi (supra) to issue a fresh
G notification also would not be appropriate, since the very scheme of
acquisition and determination of compensation under the old regime has
undergone a sea change. As such it would be unjust not only to the state
exchequer but also the other land losers under the same notification if
the present prevailing process is applied in determining the compensation.
Further, though after being nudged by the High Court, the award in any
H
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OF U.P. & ANR. [A. S. BOPANNA, J.]

event was passed on 09.06.2008 under the old regime which is now to A
be substituted with adequate compensation.
24. On weighing all aspects of the matter, we deem it appropriate
that it will serve the ends of justice to direct the respondents to determine
the market value insofar as the appellant’s land is concerned by reckoning
the relevant date as 09.06.2008 (i.e. the date on which the award was B
ultimately passed), by applying the yardstick under Act, 1894. It is made
clear that only the market value be determined as on that date but for
awarding the statutory benefits, it shall be calculated from the date of
the original notification since admittedly the appellant has been
dispossessed on 04.02.2003 pursuant to the notification dated 17.04.2002.
Further, from the date on which the fresh award is passed pursuant to C
this judgment, the appellant would get the cause of action for seeking
reference if dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded. It
is made clear that the determination of compensation, in this case, shall
not give rise to any right in favour of any other land loser whose land
was acquired under the same notification, to seek for re- determination D
of compensation where the same has already attained finality.
25. The decision in this case based on the principle of law settled
herein, if it arises for consideration in any other case under Act, 1894 or
any other enactment relating to land acquisition containing pari materia
provisions shall be applied only prospectively and cases which have E
attained finality shall not be reopened.
26. In the result, we pass the following order:
(i) The provision contained in Section 11A of Act, 1894 shall
be applicable to cases in which the acquiring authority has
not complied with the requirement of sub-section (3A) to F
Section 17 of Act, 1894 by tendering and paying eighty per
centum of the estimated compensation before taking
possession since possession in such cases cannot be
considered to be taken in accordance with law and the
vesting is not absolute. G
(ii) If the requirement is complied and possession is taken after
tendering and paying eighty per centum, though there is
need to pass an award and pay the balance compensation
within a reasonable time, the rigour of Section 11A of Act,
1894 will not apply so as to render the entire proceedings
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780 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2022] 19 S.C.R.

A for acquisition to lapse in the context of absolute vesting.
The right of land loser in such case is to enforce passing of
the award and recover the compensation.
(iii) In the instant case though Section 11A of Act, 1894 has
become applicable, in the changed circumstance we deem
B it proper to mould the relief instead of holding the acquisition
to have lapsed. Hence for the reasons stated above, we
direct as follows:
(a) The respondents shall construe 09.06.2008 as the
relevant date and determine the market value
C prevailing as on that date applying the yardstick under
Act, 1894 in respect of the acquired land.
(b) To calculate the statutory benefits on such amount
including interest, the same shall be determined by
taking into consideration the date of the Section 4
D notification dated 17.04.2002 since the appellant was
dispossessed on 04.02.2003 pursuant to the same.
(c) The date on which the fresh award is passed pursuant
to this judgment and communicated shall be the date
of cause of action for seeking enhancement of
E compensation if the appellant is dissatisfied with the
quantum of compensation offered.
(d) The compensation determined in this case shall not
give the cause of action to any other land loser whose
land is acquired under the same notification to seek
F re-determination of compensation.
(e) The appellant shall be entitled to the cost incurred in
these proceedings.
27. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
28.Pending application, if any, stands disposed of.
G

Divya Pandey and Anurag Bhaskar Appeal disposed of
(Assisted by : Iram Jan, LCRA)

H