GENERAL MANAGER Vs. SHANTABEN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) ALL these appeals involve common questions on law and facts and therefore, they are disposed of by this common judgment.

(2.) THESE appeals have been filed against the common judgment and award dated 29th December 2008 passed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge, 5th Fast Track Court, Mehsana, in Land Acquisition Reference Nos.1844 to 1852 of 2003, whereby, the References were partly allowed and the appellant-ONGC was held liable to pay additional amount of compensation to the original claimants along with interest and costs.

(3.) MR.A.R. Mehta, learned advocate for the appellant-ONGC, has submitted that the Reference Court has erred in coming to the conclusion that the claimants would be entitled to additional compensation over and above the amount awarded by the Land Acquisition Officer; that the Reference Court has gravely erred in relying upon the decision in LAR Nos.5371, 5372 and 5385 of 2003 at Exhibit 13 of village Merda, whereby the market value was considered at the rate of Rs.125/- per sq.mtr.; that the Reference Court ought to have held that the Land Acquisition Officer has rightly awarded the compensation. In view of aforesaid, it is prayed that present appeals may be allowed.