(1.) Both the appeals are being disposed of by this common judgment, as common law point is involved on the basis of similar facts in both the appeals.
(2.) The First Appeal No.435/01 has been filed against the 4th award dated May, 2001 passed in M.C.C. No.01/98 by Second Additional District Judge, Sidhi whereas, the First Appeal No.436/01 has been filed against the award dated 4th May, 2001 passed in Misc. Case No.02/98 by Second Additional District Judge, Sidhi.
(3.) The Land Acquisition Officer, District Sidhi granted compensation to the respondents, except the State-respondent and the matter was referred to the Court. After considering the whole matter and after adopting the due procedure, the Second Additional District Judge, Sidhi passed the awards of different amount in favour of respondents. Against these awards, the appellant M.P. State Electricity Board filed these appeals under Section 54 of Land Acquistion Act on various grounds including this ground that the land was acquired for the benefit of appellant and in the proceedings before the Land Acquisition Officer as well as in the proceedings before the Additional District Judge, the appellant was not made a party. The M.P. State Electricity Board was also not summoned and the entire proceedings went behind its back. The awards were passed without hearing the appellant.