SPECIAL LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER Vs. CRISTIANO D SOUZA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned Counsel for both the parties. Perused the record.

(2.) The State has preferred this appeal against the judgment and order passed by the District Judge, South Goa, Margao, allowing the respondent's claimant's reference partly under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act and holding that, the market value of the acquired land admeasuring 1225 square meters coming to the share of the claimant was fixed at Rs. 100/ per square meter. The claimant was also held to be entitled to other statutory benefits under the law.

(3.) Vide notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, published in the Official Gazette dated 11/5/1987, the State acquired the land from Davorlim Village for the purpose of Salaulim Irrigation Project. This included an area of 2450 square meters of Bharad land from survey No. 81 of Davorlim Village. By award dated 31/1/1989, the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 15/ per square meter. The compensation was equally shared by the claimant and one Numenio T. Aquim D'Souza. The claimant not being satisfied with the compensation awarded, filed the application under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act before the SLAO who had referred the matter to the District Court. Hence the reference.