Judgment

RANGANATH MISRA, J.

( 1 ) SPECIAL leave granted.

( 2 ) BY Notification dated 12/01/1973, under S. 4 (1 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 as modified by Notification of 27/07/1978, 26 acres and 26 gunthas of land located within the Hyderabad District was notified for acquisition for the Bhagyanagar Urban Development Authority. A similar notification was published on 14/06/1979 for acquisition of two acres and 29 gunthas. The Land Acquisition Officer made his award for both the properties on 10/06/1982 fixing themarket value at Rs. 42,000. 00 per acre with five per cent deduction towards development cost. Being dissatisfied with the awards passed by the Land Acquisition Officer, a reference was sought and made under S. 18 a of the Act. The claimants demanded compensation at the rate of Rs. 200. 00 per square yard. The civil court fixed the market value at Rs. 200. 00 per sq. yd. as demanded but directed deduction of 20 per cent towards development charges. The Land Acquisition Officer carried appeals against the escalation of compensation and the present appellants preferred cross objections. The High court re-assessed the entire evidence and came to hold:"today the position o