#Section 28-A Land Acquisition Act

Landowners who received compensation based on a Reference Court award may file a second application under Section 28-A to claim parity with a later High Court enhancement, even if the first application was already decided. The Supreme Court affirms that the beneficent intent of the law and the doctrine of merger override technical bar arguments, ensuring equitable treatment for similarly situated landowners.

Landowners are entitled to seek enhanced compensation under Section 28-A of the Land Acquisition Act even if their application was filed earlier, as the limitation period begins only upon final judicial determination of market value. This ruling ensures equitable compensation by preventing premature dismissal of claims pending adjudication.

Punjab & Haryana High Court holds that co-sharers in acquired land are entitled to same compensation as awarded to other co-owners, even without filing objections under Section 18 or 28-A.