MADHUSOODHANAN Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE claimants are the appellants. THEir property in Thrikkadavur village was acquired pursuant to Section 4(1) notification published on 28/03/96 for the purpose of National Highway Bye-pass, Kollam. THE Land Acquisition Officer included the property in category-4 (reclaimed wetlands having access of Panchayath Road). THE court below did not become inclined to rely on the documents produced by the claimants. Instead, what was done was to rely on judgments passed by this Court in some other cases and re-fixed the land value at 65% above what was awarded by the Land Acquisition Officer. Thus, re-fixed land value came to Rs.38,918/-.

(2.) THE main ground which is raised in this appeal is that Ext.A1 should have been relied on. Ext.A1 related to acquisition of land pursuant to the same notification but in respect of property included in a inferior category i.e. category-5. THE Land Acquisition Officer had awarded to the property in Ext.A1 the value of Rs.10,893/-. THE court under Ext.A1 re-fixed the land value at Rs.49,655/-. We find that in this appeal, the claim is limited to re-fixation of the land value at Rs.28,990/- per Are only. Smt.Latha T. Thankappan, the learned senior Government Pleader would inform us very fairly that Ext.A1 has attained finality. According to us, as Ext.A1 in respect of an inferior category for which the court has granted value at the rate of Rs.49,650/- has become final, there is every justification for allowing this appeal in full. Allowing this appeal in full, we re-fix the market value of the land under acquisition at Rs.28,990/- per Are. THE appellant will be entitled for all statutory benefits admissible under Sections 23(2), 23(1A) and under Section 28 of the Land Acquisition Act. However, while providing interest under Section 28, the Section will have due regard to the conditions imposed by this Court in our order in C.M. Application No.308/11 and 366/11. THE appeal is allowed to the above extent, however, without any order as to costs.