Judgment

SUBBA RAO, J. :

These two appeals are directed against the judgment and decree of the High Court of Judicature at Bombay modifying those of the Civil Judge, Senior Division, Thana, in a reference arising out of land acquisition proceedings.

2. On May 28, 1948, the Government of Bombay issued a notification under S. 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, notifying that certain lands belonging to the appellant, along with lands belonging to others, were likely to be needed for the Government Housing Scheme, a public purpose. Notifications under S. 6 of the Land Acquisition Act were issued on July 14, 1949, August 1, 1949 and August 11, 1949. On December 31, 1949, possession of the lands so notified was taken under S. 17 of the Land Acquisition Act. The Land Acquisition Officer classified the said lands into six groups based upon certain criteria. Some of the lands of the appellant fell in group Nos. 4 and 5, and his khajan lands fell in group No. 6. He valued the khajan lands at Rs. 500 / - per acre, i.e., at anna 1 pies 74 per sq. yard, and the lands in group No. 4 at Rs. 1-6-0 per sq. yard, and those in group No. 4 at Rs.1-4-0 per sq. yard. Though the appellant claimed before t