SUHARA KAREEM Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal filed against the judgment and decree in L.A.R.80/03 on the file of the III Additional Sub Court, Ernakulam. In the nature of the view we propose to take in this case, it is not necessary to extensively refer to the factual background of the case.

(2.) An extent of 3.879 cents from a plot of 24.750 cents in survey No.555/3-30 of Poonithura village was acquired for the purpose of construction of railway over bridge at Punnurunni. Section 4(1) notification was issued on 28.5.2002 and the land was taken possession on 22.7.2003. The reference court placed reliance on the judgment of the Sub Court, Ernakulam in L.A.R.No.157/2000, where the property was acquired for another purpose. Section 4(1) notification in that case was issued on 15.2.1997 and the land value fixed was Rs.1,08,296/- per cent. The contention of the learned senior counsel is that going by the decision of the Supreme Court in Krishi Utpadan Mandi Samiti, Sahaswan, District Badaun v. Bipin Kumar and another [(2004)2 SCC 283] , the claimant is entitled to increase at the rate of 15% per year. Though it is not a mandatory requirement, it is seen from the judgment under appeal that the reference court has followed the same principle. However, a mistake has crept in while calculating the increase. What is granted is only 15% increase per year on the land value from 2000. Since Section 4(1) notification in L.A.R.No.157/2000 was issued on 15.2.1997 and since Section 4(1) notification in the present case was issued on 28.5.2002, the claimant is entitled, going by the very same principle followed by the reference court, for 15% increase per year. Therefore, it is declared that the claimant will be entitled to 75% increase on the value of Rs.1,08,296/- per cent, that is awarded in L.A.R.No.157/2000. Though the learned senior counsel vehemently contended that the property is situated close to the junction, another 5% increase also is to be given, we are not inclined to appreciate the said contention, since the claimant is given a fairly reasonable enhancement of compensation by granting 75% increase on the land value in L.A.R.No.157/2000.

(3.) Learned senior counsel pointed out that there is an error apparent on the face of the decree itself, while calculating the value of improvements. At paragraph 15 of the judgment under appeal, the reference court has granted an amount of Rs.5,808/- as enhancement in the value of structures. However, that amount is not taken into consideration while granting the decree. Therefore, it is declared that the appellant/claimant will be entitled to the said amount of Rs.5,808/- as enhancement in the value of structures, which is already granted by the reference court.