STATE OF PUNJAB Vs. RANJIT SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The question of law which arises for determination in these appeals is as to whether the respondent-land owners are entitled to solatium @ 30% on the market value and interest @9% for the first year from the date of their dispossession by the Land Acquisition Collector and @ 15% thereafter till the date of actual payment of the enhanced amount of compensation.

(2.) The facts necessary for deciding the above noted question are that a compact block of land measuring 866 kanals and 7 marlas situated in the Revenue Estate of Moga Mehla Singh belonging to different owners including the respondents was acquired by the State of Punjab for setting up of Industrial Focal Point at Moga. The preliminary notification issued under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act') was published in the Punjab Government Gazette dated 17.2.1975 and the declaration issued under Section 6 of the Act was published on 16.6.1975. The Land Acquisition Collector adopted belting system for assessment of the market value and awarded compensation at the following rates:-

(3.) 47 Land owners including the respondents filed applications under Section 18 of the Act for enhancement of the compensation. By his award dated 29.5.1980, the learned Additional District Judge, Faridkot directed payment of compensation at the following rates:-