VIJAY SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These appeals under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act") arise from a common judgment dated 12.5.1998 passed by the learned Additional District Judge, Delhi, in LAC No. 55/1996 thereby disposing of a Reference under Section 18 of the Act.

(2.) Land comprised in different Khasra numbers situated in the revenue estate of village Jagatpur, Shahdara, Delhi, was acquired for public purpose namely for construction of embankment, vide notifications dated 12.1.1984 issued under Sections 4 and 6 of the Act. The Land Acquisition Collector assessed the market value of the acquired land @ Rs.10,000/- per bigha and awarded compensation at the said rate besides other statutory benefits in accordance with law. A reference under Section 18 of the Act having being made, the learned Additional District Judge enhanced the compensation to Rs. 22,575/- per bigha. Still not satisfied, the land owners have filed the appeals claiming further enhancement of compensation @ Rs.50,000/- per bigha along with other statutory benefits. On the other hand respondent/UOI has filed appeals challenging the judgment of the learned Additional District Judge so far as it has awarded the compensation at the enhanced rate.

(3.) We have heard Mr. Om Parkash, learned counsel representing the appellants /land-owners and Mr. Sanjay Poddar, learned counsel representing the respondent/UOI.