Authority: Calcutta High Court (Civil Appellate Jurisdiction)

Order Date: 01 July 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: R.B. Dealers Private Limited (appellant) vs Union of India and others (respondents).
  • Appeal from judgment dated 14 July 2023 in WP No.16818 (W) of 2019 concerning compensation under Metro Railways (Construction of Works) Act, 1978.
  • Issues: applicability of Section 80 of RFCTLARR Act 2013 to acquisitions under 1978 Act; date from which interest should accrue; whether interest applies to whole enhanced compensation or separately.
  • Arguments: appellant claimed interest should be from date of declaration/award, seeking additional Rs.90,06,035 or Rs.1,38,49,499; respondents argued 2013 Act not applicable, interest only on portion, and sought refund of Rs.26,71,10,477.
  • Relevant statutes: Section 80 of 2013 Act, Section 105(3) and Notification S.O.2368(E) dated 28 Aug 2015, Sections 10,12,13,25,26 of 1978 Act, Sections 72 of 2013 Act, etc.

Final Outcome

  • Court held land losers under 1978 Act are entitled to interest under Section 80 of 2013 Act.
  • Interest payable from date of possession (21 Feb 2017): 9% p.a. for first year, 15% thereafter.
  • Interest on original award Rs.12,54,55,482 calculated as Rs.2,07,00,154.
  • Interest on excess award Rs.2,80,84,464 calculated as Rs.98,99,774.
  • Total interest payable Rs.3,05,99,928.
  • Respondents ordered to pay this amount; no order as to costs.
  • Stay of operation of judgment granted for 30 days from date of stay order.

Topics: Land Acquisition, Compensation Interest