STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. RACHHPAL KAUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of this judgment, I would be disposing of Regular First Appeal Nos. 784 of 1981, 359 of 1983, 360 of 1983, 361 of 1983, 362 of 1983, 363 of 1983, 364 of 1983, 511 of 1983, 804 of 1983, 805 of 1983, 806 of 1983, 1510 of 1983 and 2570 of 1987 filed by the State of Punjab, seeking reduction of compensation and Cross Objection Nos. 123-C1 of 1982 in R.F.A. No. 784 of 1981, I-C1 of 1993 in R.F.A. No. 359 of 1983, 56-C1 of 1983 in R.F.A. No. 360 of 1983, 50-C1 of 1985 in R.F.A. No. 363 of 1983 and 117-C1 of 1986 in R.F.A. No. 805 of 1983 filed by the Claimants for enhancement of compensation as they arise out of a common award and common notification.

(2.) The Punjab State vide its notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) published on 7th March, 1974, acquired land measuring 89.74 acres of land. The land was situated in Bhatinda and the same has been acquired for establishing of Urban Estate in Bhatinda. The Land Acquisition Collector by his award dated 28th March, 1977 assessed market value of the acquired land at the following rates :-

(3.) Feeling aggrieved, the landowners sought several references under Section 18 of the Act. On reference, the Additional District Judge, Bhatinda, by his award dated 28th January, 1981 has determined the market value of the acquired land at the flat rate, at the rate of Rs. 16/- per square yard.