SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI UNIVERSITY Vs. PRITAM SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the judgment dtd. 21/7/2008 in reference, titled, Pritam Singh and others vs. Collector Land Acquisition and another passed by the court of learned Principal District Judge, Udhampur (hereinafter to be referred as the reference court ), whereby the compensation payable for the land acquired by the appellant-University, has been enhanced as under: <FRM>JUDGEMENT_4_LAWS(J&K)6_2024_1.html</FRM>

(2.) Aggrieved by the enhancement of the compensation made by the learned reference court, the appellant-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has assailed the judgment on the following grounds:

(3.) Mr. U. K. Jalali, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. Adarsh Sharma, learned counsel appearing for the appellant-University has vehemently argued that the compensation for the culturable land has been enhanced without any justification from Rs.25,000.00 to 1,50,000/- per kanal. He has further submitted that for a land acquired by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra for establishment of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University situated at Village, Kakryal, the village, which was having a better location, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra after negotiations with the owners, has agreed to pay Rs.75,000.00 per kanal for culturable land and Rs.40,000.00 per kanal for other lands. He has further submitted that at the most, the respondents can be awarded compensation at the rate of Rs.70,000.00 per kanal for culturable land, as the land, which formed the subject matter of the compromise between Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and the owners, was having better location as compared to the land, which is the subject matter of the present appeal. During arguments, he has submitted the record note of the meeting held on 15/12/2023 in respect of the Kakryal Land Acquisition.