ORDER

1. Civil Appeals Nos. 186-87 of 1998 have been preferred by the appellant Church of South India Trust Association, Armoor against the common judgment and order of the High Court of Judicature at Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad dated 18-12-1996 in Appeal No. 1582 of 1991 and cross-objections.

2. The Land Acquisition Officer also has preferred Special Leave Petition No. 3245 of 1999 impugning the same judgment and order. Notice was issued in the aforesaid special leave petition and we have heard counsel for the parties. Delay condoned. Leave granted.

3. With the consent of the counsel for the parties the appeal arising out of SLP (C) No. 3245 of 1999 is also being disposed of along with CAs Nos. 186-87 of 1998.

4. A notification was •issued under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), published in the gazette on 24-10-1978. Possession of the land in question was taken on 5-1-1979. By his award made on 27-1-1983, the Land Acquisition Officer fixed the market value of the land in question at Rs 9000 per acre. The claimants sought a reference under Section 18 of the Act and claimed compensation @ Rs 175 per sq yd. After the matter was referre