UJJAL SINGH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These; are four appeals from a common judgment of the Additional District Judge dated June 15, 1968. Two appeals (R-F.As. 397 and 398 of 1968) are by the owner. The other two (R.F.A. 380 of 1968 and R.F.A. 80 of 1969) are cross-appeals by the taker of the land, the Union of India. This judgment will govern them all.

(2.) The appellant Ujjal Singh was the owner of certain lands situated in a trans-J'amuna village of Karkarduma. The Government acquired his land for a public purpose. Notification under s. 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (the Act) was issued on November 13, 1959. I Declaration under s. 6 of the Act was made on October 3, 1962. After usual statutory proceedings the collector made two awafrds. (Award No. 144 and 1467 dated February 7, 1963). (Other awards pursu- ant to the notification under s. 4 dated November 13, 1959 are 1804, 2210, 54/69-70, 54-A/70-71, 21/70-71). By Award No. 144 the Government acquired 33 bighas II biswas. Under Award No. 1467 the land acquired was 45 bighas 4 biswas.

(3.) The collector awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 400 per bigha. Displeased with the award the owner asked for a reference under s. 18 of the Act. On reference the Additional District Judge enhanced the compensation to Rs. 2,000 per bigha- From his decision the owner appeals to this court for further enhancement. He claims a further increase of Rs. 4,500 per bigha' over what he has already been awarded by the land acquisition court. The Union of India, on the other hand, asks for reduction in compensation.