DISTRICT COLLECTOR IDUKKI Vs. JAMES

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal filed under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 is against the judgment and decree dated 12.04.2017 of Sub Court, Thodupuzha in L.A.R.No.69 of 2014. An extent of 0.0116 hectares of land comprised in Survey No.246/13 (Block No.11) of Manakkad Village of Thodupuzha Taluk owned by the respondent/claimant was acquired for the purpose of widening Thodupuzha- Ramamangalam Road (Reach 2). Notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 is one dated 03.03.2010. The Land Acquisition Officer awarded a compensation of Rs.90,184/- vide award No.29/2013 dated 01.06.2013 in L.A.C.No.271/2012, fixing the land value at the rate of Rs.55,556/- per Are. For fixing compensation, the Land Acquisition Officer classified the lands into five categories Group 1A, Group 1B, Group 2A, Group 2B and Group 3. The land in the instant case is classified in Group 1B.

(2.) The reference court enhanced and re-fixed the land value of Group 1B land as Rs.2,21,046/- per Are. Feeling aggrieved by the enhancement of land value, the appellants, who are the respondents before the reference court, are before this Court in this appeal filed under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act.

(3.) Heard the learned Government Pleader for the appellants. Despite service of notice, none appears for the respondent.