RAMAKRISHNA MUDALIAR Vs. SPECIAL TAHSILDAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These batch of Appeal Suits were filed under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act by the Appellants, challenging a common judgment and decree made in various LAOPs starting from 550 of 1986 and batch cases, dated 16.10.1998 rendered by the Sub Court, Thiruvallur.

(2.) In all the LAOPs, the Court below rejected the claim of the Appellants for their demand of payment of compensation on account of acquisition of lands for the purpose of setting up Manali Oil Refinery Project in the village of Manali coming under Saidapet Taluk. The Special Tahsildar-cum-Land Acquisition Officer, Oil Refinery Project was the acquiring authority.

(3.) The State Government by an order in G.O.Ms. No. 114 (ILC), dated 20.1.1965 approved the draft notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act from Manali and its adjoining villages. After following due procedure, various awards were passed starting from Award No. 1 of 1986 for acquiring the lands. There was hardly any dispute regarding the quantum of compensation. However, since there was a dispute regarding the demand for compensation from various quarters, the amounts were deposited and the matter was referred to for determination under Section 30 of the Land Acquisition Act. The said references were registered as various LAOPs starting from LAOP No. 550 of 1986 by the Sub Court, Thiruvallur. On behalf of Appellants, a claim statement was filed. The contesting Respondents staked their claim on various grounds.