SPL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER Vs. COMMUNIDADE OF VERNA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WE have heard learned Advocate General in support of the Appeal. WE have heard the learned Counsel appearing for the Respondent.

(2.) THE Appellants have challenged the Judgment and Award dated 27th January, 2006, passed by the learned IIIrd Addl. District Judge, South Goa, Margao, in a reference under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, (herein after referred to as 'the said Act'), made at the instance of the Respondent.

(3.) THE learned Counsel appearing for the Respondent supported the impugned Judgment and Award and submitted that addition of 15 percent was justified. He invited our attention to documents at exhibit 17 and 18, which related to auction of different portions of the land bearing survey no. 56/1 of the same Village. He pointed out that the auction was for long lease of twenty years. He submitted that in view of the relevant provisions of the Code of Communidade, the title of the lessee was perfected after a period of 20 years and, therefore, the documents at exhibit 17 and 18 are also relevant.