Judgment

MOHAN, J.:- Delay condoned. Permission to prefer special Leave Petitions granted.

2. Leave granted.

3. The facts leading to these appeals are as under:

An extent of 6.50 acres of land in village Marripalam Taluk and District Visakhapatnam was requisitioned for defence purposes in the year 1942. Subsequently they were acquired under the Requisitioning & Acquisition of Immovable Property Act, 1952 (Central Act 30 of 1952) (hereinafter referred to as the Act) on 11-1-1972 along with adjoining land of an extent of 68.25 acres. The competent authority fixed compensation at the rate of Rs. 10/- per square yard under Section 8(3) read with Rule 9(l) of the Act. Being dissatisfied with the compensation, the owners of the property sought a reference to the arbitrator. By an award dated 28-3-1981, the arbitrator (District Judge) awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 15/- per square yard and solatium at 15% and interest at 6% from the date of publication of Form J Notification. Accordingly, the enhanced amount was deposited in court through Special Petition LA (defence) Visakhapatnam.

4. Still not being satisfied with the decision of the arbitrator, the respondent Kolluni Ramaiah and th