STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. SUKHDEV SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) I propose to dispose of three connected Regular First Appeal Nos. 1297, 1298 and 1299 of 1981 by a common order as ail these appeals arise from the same award dated 9.4.1981 rendered by Addl. Distt. Judge, Sangrur.

(2.) Brief facts of the case reveal that 89 acres, 4 kanals and 12 marlas land was acquired by the government. The land aforesaid was notified under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act on 27.1.1978 and in due course of time follow up declaration under Section 6 of the said Act came to be issued. The Land Acquisition Collector vide his award categorised the land into six blocks namely, A, B, C, D, E & F, whereas market value of the land pertaining to block A was assessed at Rs. 30,000/- per acre, for Block B Rs. 25,000/- per acre, for Block C Rs. 20,000/- per acre, for Block D Rs. 15,000/- per acre, for Block E Rs. 10,000/-per acre for Block F Rs. 6,000/- per acre. Feeling dissatisfied a reference under Section 18 of the said Act was sought by the respondents-claimants. On references of the matter, learned Addl. District Judge assessed the market value of the land at Rs. 1,000/- per Biswa. It is against this award that the State of Punjab has filed these three connected appeals. Respondent in: R.F.A. No. 1297 of 1981 has filed cross objection No. 46 of 1982.

(3.) The crucial question in regard to market value of the land was discussed by learned Addl. District Judge in paragraph 8 which reads as follows