NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY Vs. VENKATESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is filed under Sec. 37(1)(c) of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 (hereinafter referred to as Rs.A & C Act) by the appellant - National Highways Authority of India (in short Rs.the NHAI'), being aggrieved by the judgment and order dtd. 21/6/2021 passed in AP No.13/2020 by the Court of the Prl. District and Sessions Judge, Davanagere.

(2.) By the said order, the learned District Court declined to interfere with the arbitral award in so far as quantum of compensation was concerned, but, held that, the land owners are entitled to solatium and statutory interest based on binding precedent of Hon'ble Supreme Court of India. Brief facts of the case are as under:

(3.) The land measuring 1212 sq.mtrs. bearing Sy.No.42/2 situated in Bangarakkanagudda Village, Jagalur Taluk, Davanagere District belonging to one late Sri Mugappa was acquired by the appellant under the provisions of the NHAI Act, for the purpose of widening of NH-13. The competent authority determined compensation at the rate of Rs.49.50 per sq. mtrs and awarded a total sum of Rs.60,000/- which was disbursed to the land owner.