V.LAXMA REDDY Vs. LAND ACQUISITION OFFICER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal, under Sec. 54 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, (for short 'the Act') is preferred by the appellants - claimants, aggrieved by the order and decree dtd. 2/5/2003 passed in O.P.No.71 of 1999 by the learned Additional District Judge at Mahabubnagar (hereinafter referred to as 'the Reference Court').

(2.) For convenience and clarity, the parties herein are referred to as they were arrayed before the reference Court.

(3.) The facts of the case in brief are that the land to an extent of Ac.02-28 guntas was acquired by the Government for formation of Metro gauge to Broad gauge railway line at Balanagar. Draft notification under Sec. 4(1) of the Act was published on 12/1/1996, while the possession was taken on 21/3/1994. After due enquiry, the Land Acquisition Officer has fixed the market value @ Rs.30,000.00 per acre. Aggrieved by the said award, the claimants have made an application under Sec. 18 of the Act, which was referred to the Additional District Judge at Mahabubnagar.