SC: Settlement Bars Later Statutory Claims

The Supreme Court held that landowners who voluntarily enter into a compensation settlement cannot later claim statutory benefits under land acquisition laws. The Court emphasised that once parties mutually agree to a final compensation package, principles of estoppel prevent them from reopening settled claims to seek enhanced statutory entitlements. Such attempts undermine contractual certainty and burden state authorities with avoidable litigation. The judgment reinforces that settlements are binding and legally conclusive unless vitiated by fraud, coercion or misrepresentation. The ruling also aims to prevent misuse of acquisition processes and ensures finality in negotiated compensation schemes, aligning with the objective of speedy land acquisition and dispute resolution.