HARBHAM VIKRAMSINH Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this group of 11 appeals under S.54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (Act), common questions are involved arising out of common judgment of reference Court - 3rd Extra Assistant Judge, Rajkot District, at Gondal, rendered on 24th December, 1985. Therefore, they are being disposed of by this common judgment.

(2.) The appellants are the original claimants whereas the respondent in the entire group was the original opponent before the reference Court. Pursuant to notifications issued under S.4(1) dated 8-12-1977, 1-6-1978, 10-3-1978 and 20-3-1979, various parcels of revenue survey numbers situated in the sim of village Rajpara in Rajkot district came to be compulsorily acquired for the purpose of the project of Venu Dam No. 2 which was sought to be constructed for the irrigation and agricultural purposes. The Land Acquisition Officer by exercising his powers under S.11 of the Act awarded Rs. 120.00 per Are for Bagayat land and Rs. 65.00 per Are for Jirayat land in respect of four land acquisition reference cases bearing Nos. 132 of 1977, 91 of 1978, 153 of 1979 and 36 of 1978. Notifications under S.6(1) acquiring the land bearing survey Nos. 68, 13 (Part) etc. of different agriculturists came to be published on 27-2-1978, 6-3-1980, 23-11-1978 and 6-11-1978.

(3.) Being dissatisfied by the awards under S.11 of the Act, the owners and the original claimants desired for reference under S.18 of the Act to the Court of Assistant Judge of Gondal of Rajkot district. Thus, four land reference cases came to be decided by the reference Court.