SPECIAL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER Vs. COMMUNIDADE OF VELIM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Shri M. Salkar, learned Government Advocate appearing for the appellants and Shri C. A. Coutinho, learned Counsel appearing for the respondent.

(2.) THE above appeal challenges the judgment and award dated 31.03.2006 passed by the learned Ad -hoc Additional District Judge, South Goa, Margao, in Land Acquisition Case No. 55/2005 whereby a reference preferred by the respondent was partly allowed and the compensation for the land acquired was fixed at the rate of Rs.35/ - per square metre besides statutory benefits.

(3.) PURSUANT to a notification dated 15.10.2001, land belonging to the respondent admeasuring an area of 21675 square metres situated at Village Velim bearing survey Nos. 380/9, 380/10, 380/11, 381/4, 381/5, 381/6, 381/7, 381/9, 381/10, 381/11, 381/12 and 381/13 were acquired for the development of Government Village School play ground. By an award passed by the Land Acquisition Officer under Section 11 of the said Act, the respondent was offered compensation at the rate of Rs.8/ - per square metre for the land acquired. Being dissatisfied with the said amount, the respondent preferred a reference under Section 18 of the said Act and sought compensation for the land acquired at the rate of Rs.50/ - per square metre. By judgment and award dated 31.03.2006 the Reference Court partly allowed the said reference and fixed the compensation for the land acquired at the rate of Rs.35/ - per square metre. Being aggrieved by the said judgment and award, the appellants have preferred the present appeal.