JUDGMENT

JUDGMENT :- This appeal by special leave is directed against the order dated April 21, 1977 of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana determining the interest payable on the compensation awarded to the appellants for the acquisition of their land by the State Government.

2. A notification under S. 4 of the Land Acquisition Act was made on August 31, 1961 in respect of land belonging to the appellants and in the proceedings which followed. The Land Acquisition Officer determined a sum of Rs. 27,992.84 as compensation payable therefor. Possession of the land was taken thereafter. On reference made at the instance of the appellants, the learned District Judge held by his judgment dated November 30, 1963 that the appellants were entitled to a further sum of Rs. 11,307.10 as compensation. Dissatisfied with that determination, the appellants proceeded in appeal to the High Court, and on March 8, 1977 the High Court held that the appellants were entitled to a further amount of Rs. 17,919.30 as compensation. The High Court also held that the appellants were entitled to interest at the rate of 4 per cent per annum on the enchanced amount of compensation awarded by it, the interest to r