(1) IN similar circumstances delay had been condoned vide order dated September 17, 1999 in Civil Appeal No. 5370 of 1999 arising out of Special Leave Petition (C) No. 6798 of 1999 [Union of India v. Nathu Singh & Ors.]. In the circumstances of this case, we are inclined to condone the delay, particularly, because it is in the public interest as public money is involved.

(2) LEAVE granted.

(3) WE heard Mr. K.C. Kaushik, learned Counsel for the appellant. In view of the decision of this Court in Civil Appeal No. 4405 of 1997 in which the land value has been fixed at Rs. 16,750.00 per bigha for lands covered by the same notification, there is no reason not to adopt the same value as for the land involved in this appeal also. Accordingly, we allow this appeal and reduce the land value to the above extent. The impugned order stands modified accordingly.

(4) NO order as to costs.