Failure challenging arbitral award statutory period restores original compensation rights

Failure by acquiring authorities to file a timely legal challenge against a statutory arbitral award renders the enhanced compensation determination final and binding. Where authorities fail to challenge an arbitral award through prescribed statutory remedies, they cannot subsequently nullify the award via administrative suspension orders. Keeping arbitral awards in abeyance through executive directives without pursuing formal judicial remedies constitutes an impermissible bypass of statutory legal procedure. Acquiring authorities are bound by statutory arbitration outcomes unless set aside or modified by competent judicial forums following due process. Arbitrary administrative orders withholding enhanced compensation, solatium, and interest determined by statutory arbitrators are illegal and void ab initio. Restoring initial acquisition awards and arbitral enhancements becomes mandatory when administrative interference occurs without procedural or statutory authorization. Therefore, unchallenged arbitral awards remain fully enforceable, entitling land owners to prompt disbursement of complete compensation along with statutory interest. (Niraj Jain v. Competent Authority-cum-Additional Collector, Jagdalpur & Ors. | 2026 INSC 86)