PUNJAB STATE THROUGH COLLECTOR Vs. DARA SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) State is in appeal against the award dated 5.11.2015, rendered by the reference Court, vide which the claimants were awarded compensation at Rs. 1,20,000/- per acre. As also the statutory benefits admissible in law.

(2.) The facts that are required to be noticed are limited.

(3.) Land measuring 6 kanals 06 marlas owned by the claimants-landowners, which formed part of the revenue estate of village Maste Ke, Tehsil and District Ferozepur was acquired for the construction of advance bandh. The Collector, vide award dated 31.12.2005, assessed the market value of the acquired land at Rs. 92,000/- per acre. Being dissatisfied with the assessment as also the compensation awarded by the Collector, the claimants-landowners filed objections under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short the 'Act'). However, their claims were dismissed by the Reference Court being barred by time. While in the other land references, arising out of the same acquisition, the Reference Court, vide awards dated 28.03.2014 (Ex.P1) rendered under Section 18, and 18.12.2014 (Ex.P2), rendered under Section 28-A, awarded enhancement to the landowners. Resultantly, the respondents also filed a petition under Section 28-A of the Land Acquisition Act, and sought re-determination of compensation in terms of the awards (Ex.P1). And, vide impugned award, the Reference Court, awarded the same compensation to the respondents as was awarded to the landowners vide award (Ex.P1).