JUDGMENT

Lokeshwar Singh Panta, J.—

1.These two appeals are directed against a common order dated 11.11.1998 passed by the High Court of Judicature, Andhra Pradesh at Hyderabad in AS No.1999/96 and AS No.31/98. By the impugned order, the High Court enhanced the amount of compensation to Rs.22,000/- per acre as against Rs.6,000/- awarded by the learned Subordinate Judge, Eluru, West Godavari District.

2.These appeals are taken up and heard together and are decided by this common judgment. The facts, in brief, are that the State of Andhra Pradesh issued a Notification dated 03.01.1980 under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’) for the acquisition of lands admeasuring Ac 385.46 in Borrampalem village of Chintalapudi Taluk for foreshore submersion of Yerakalva Reservoir Scheme under Vengalaraya Sagar Project. Land of the claimants-respondents to the extent of Ac 9.53 each was acquired for the said purpose. After completion of the proceedings under the Act and after observing all formalities, the Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation at the rate of Rs.1026/- per acre to the claimants-respondents vide his Award dated 18.05.1984. The c