KRISHNA SHANKAR SAWANT Vs. SPECIAL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Mashelkar, learned Counsel for the appellants and Mr. Afonso, learned Counsel for the respondent.

(2.) By this appeal under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ('The Act' for short), the appellants take exception to the award dated 3rd July, 2001 passed by the Additional District Judge, North Goa, Panaji in Land Acquisition Case No.126/1997 by which the reference under Section 18 of The Act is rejected.

(3.) The appellants are the legal representatives of Krishna Sawant Subhedar ('the applicant' for short) who was co-owner in respect of the property bearing Survey No.52/14 situated in Naroa village and had 50 % share therein. By notification issued under Section 4(1) of The Act published in the official gazette dated 23rd July, 1991, large tracts of lands were acquired by the State Government for Konkan Railway Corporation Ltd. An area admeasuring 7250 square metres of land bearing Survey No.52/14 of Naroa village was part of the acquired land. The Special Land Acquisition Officer passed the award dated 7th April, 1994 awarding compensation at the rate of Rs.12/- per square metre. The applicant sought reference under Section 18 of The Act and claimed Rs.60/- per square metre.