§ 6. Determination of claims based on alleged failure of title. Whenever a legal claim is made for a refund of purchase-money because of the alleged failure of the title of the state to lands sold or granted under its authority including any right, title or interest of the state in and to lands under water, the commissioner of general services, if satisfied that such claim is just and is made by a person entitled thereto, may certify such facts to the court of claims, whereupon such court is empowered to determine the amount of compensation, if any, which should be awarded on account thereof, which in no event shall exceed the amount of the purchase price originally paid for such land.