JUDGMENT:

G.P. MATHUR, J.

1. Leave granted in special leave petitions.

2. These appeals, by special leave, have been preferred against the judgment and decree dated 1.9.1999 of Madhya Pradesh High Court by which the appeals filed by the landholders and also by the Union of India were dismissed.

3. The Government of India issued notifications under Sections 4(1) and 6(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the `Act) for acquisition of large area of land (4827.63 hectares) situate in various villages in Tehsil Mhow, District Indore for establishing two firing ranges, namely, Bercha and Hema for the artillery wing of the army. An area of 2917.160 hectares was acquired for Bercha Firing Range and 1910.464 hectares for Hema Firing Range. After receipt of notice under Section 9 of the Act, the landholders submitted objections. The Collector, Indore, after considering the objections of the landholders and making relevant inquiry, gave an Award regarding the compensation which was to be paid to the landholders. The landholders being dissatisfied with the Award of the Collector asked for a reference to be made to the court in accordance with Section 18 of the Act. Th