Judgment

S. MOHAN, J.- These civil appeals raise the question of award of compensation under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the Act). The respondent, State of Punjab issued a notification under Section 4 on October 4, 1978 for acquisition of land measuring 284 kanals and 9 marlas situated in the Revenue Estate of Village Daulatpur, Pathankot. The public purpose of acquisition was for construction of godowns by the Central Warehousing Corporation. The Land Acquisition Collector awarded compensation at the rate of Rs 330 per marla besides solatium at the rate of 15 per cent and interest at the rate of 6 per cent from November 4, 1978 to the date of actual payment. Not being satisfied with the same, the appellants preferred application for references under Section 18 of the Act. On reference the learned Additional District Judge enhanced the compensation from Rs 330 per marla to Rs 700. To such of those claimants like the appellants who had received the amount of compensation as per the award without any protest, this enhancement was denied.

2. Thereupon, the appellants preferred Regular First Appeal No. 447 of 1982 to the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.