STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. KHUSHAL SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This judgment will dispose of Regular First Appeal Nos. 1806 to 1809 of 1987, with cross objection No. 56 C.I. of 1988, 1811 to 1823 of 1987, 2807 to 2831 of 1987, filed by the State and Regular First Appeal Nos. 1591 to 1598, 1763, 1770, 1771, 1764, 2270 to 2289 and 2373 of 1987 filed by the claimant-landowners.

(2.) Pursuant to a notification dated Dec. 13, 1982, under S.4 of the Land Acquisition Act (for short 'the Act') land measuring 61.13 acres situate in the revenue estate of Khera Gajju was acquired for a public purpose namely construction of Sutlej Yamuna Link Canal. The notification was followed by a declaration dated Jan. 7, 1983 under S.6 of the Act. The Collector awarded the compensation to the landowners at the following rate:- (i) Chahi land Rs. 51,360/- per acre. (ii) Gair Mumkin Rs. 18,000/- per acre.

(3.) The claimants were not satisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded by the Collector and got references made to the Land Acquisition Court under S.18 of the Act. The Land Acquisition Court allowed compensation for the Chahi land at the rate of Rs. 72,990/- per acre and for Gair Mumkin at the rate of Rs. 35,000/- per acre. He carved out a special belt for the land abutting on the road connecting Rajpura with Chandigarh on both sides up to the depth of 100 feet and awarded compensation for that land at the rate of Rs. 1,00,000/- per acre. The State and the claimants feeling aggrieved against the award of the Land Acquisition Court have come up in appeal to this Court. The State has taken exception to the higher compensation allowed by the Land Acquisition Court while the claimants think that the compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Court is inadequate.