(1) THIS petition arises from the judgment and decree of the High court of A. P. dated 20/12/1993, in Appeal No. 2698 of 1987 and the counter-appeal filed by the State. The land to the extent of 69 acres and 25 gunthas situated in Bhongir Municipality in Nalgonda District of Andhra Pradesh, was acquired to provide house sites. The notification under Section 4(1 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (1 of 1894 (for short "the Act") was published in the District Gazette, as amended by the local amendment on 4/3/1985. The possession thereof was taken on 27/3/1985 dispensing with the inquiry under Section 5-A. The Land Acquisition Officer (for short "the LAO") in his award dated 27/3/1985 determined the compensation to the lands varying between Rs 6,000.00 to Rs. 10,000.00 per acre. Though petitioners claimed at the rate of Rs. 40.00 per sq. yd., on reference under Section 18, the Subordinate Judge, Bhongir, determined the compensation at Rs. 10.00 per sq. yd., deducted Rs. 3.00 towards developmental expenditure, and fixed the market value at Rs. 7.00 per sq. yd. Dissatisfied therewith, the petitioner as also the State filed the appeals in the High court.

(2) THE High court