JOAQUIM VICENT COUTINHO Vs. MENINO SALVADOR F COUTINHO

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Mr. S. Kakodkar, learned counsel appearing for the appellants, Mr. R. Gawas, learned counsel appearing for respondent nos. 4 (a) 4(b)( i to vi) and Mr. Coelho Pereira, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the respondent no.5 and legal heirs of respondent nos. 6 and 7 ( i to v).

(2.) THE above appeal challenges the judgment and award dated 10.07.2007 passed in Land Acquisition Case No. 120/2000 whereby a reference under Section 30 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 ( herein after referred to as "the said Act" ) was disposed of by directing the compensation awarded to be paid to the respondents herein.

(3.) BRIEFLY , the facts of the case are that land admeasuring 475 square metres was acquired by the Government for the purpose of constructing a sump pump house in the Village of Cuncolim of Salcete Taluka bearing survey no. 435/1 of Cuncolim Village. The Land Acquisition Officer passed an award under Section 11 of the said Act but however, the appellants as well as the respondents and some other parties put a claim to the compensation awarded and as such, the Land Acquisition Officer made a reference under Section 30 of the said Act to the learned Reference Court. By judgment and award dated 10.07.2007, the learned Reference Court after recording of evidence has directed that the compensation awarded be paid to the respondents herein.