JUDGMENT

K. Ramaswamy, J.-Application for impleadment allowed.

Leave granted.

2. This appeal by special leave arises from the judgment and order dated September 29, 1992 passed by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir in CIMA No. 72 of 1988.

3. The only question that arises for decision in this appeal is: whether the respondents are entitled to solatium and interest under the Jammu & Kashmir Requisition and Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1968 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act")?

4. The facts in nutshell are that land admeasuring 399 kanals and 4 marlas situated in Villages Rampur, Talwal and Goverdhan Plain was acquired for public purposes, viz., defence, by publication of notification under Section 7 of the Act on October 16, 1986. The Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri in his award dated November 3, 1986 awarded compensation @ Rs. 21,000/- in respect of lands situated in villages Rampur and Talwal and Rs. 10,000/- per kanal in respect of land situated in village Goverdhan Pain with 10 escalation on account of passage of time. The compensation was accordingly paid but feeling dissatisfied therewith, the claimants-landowners sought reference under Section 8 of the Act to the arbitrato