LAND ACQUISITION COLLECTOR BALASORE Vs. SURAMA DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal under Section 54 of the Land Acquisition Act (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') by the Land Acquisition Officer. There is no cross-objection.

(2.) When this appeal was listed for orders regarding preparation of paper books, I found that the appeal in view of its valuation is to be heard by a single Judge. Since records of lower court are available I directed the appeal to be listed for final disposal on merits.

(3.) Notifications under Section 4(1) of the Act were published in Orissa Gazette Extraordinary No. 1398 dated 24-10-1983 for compulsory acquisition of near about 150 acres in different revenue villages for the Union Government for establishment of interim test range. 11.17 acres of land in village Karanjia were proposed to be acquired. On that basis 71 decimals of land in Plot Nos. 325 and 326 belonging to the claimants were acquired. Basing on Sale statistics collected, Land Acquisition Officer offered compensation at the rate of Rs. 80,000/- per acre. Claimant received the compensation under protest stating that land being within Balasore Municipality the market value is much higher. Land Acquisition Officer on that account made a reference to Court for determination of market value.