JUDGMENT

R.V. Raveendran, J.—

This batch of appeals arise out a common judgment dated 27.4.2006 of the High Court of Delhi in RFA No.751/1994 (Jas Rath vs. Union of India) and other connected cases. They relate to determination of market value in regard to lands situated at village Rithala on the outskirts of Delhi, acquired for (i) construction of a supplementary drain; (ii) construction of sewage treatment plant; (iii) re-modelling of Nangloi drain; and (iv) planned development of Delhi. The said four acquisitions were initiated under notifications dated 13.2.1981, 20.2.1981 13.3.1981 and 31.12.1981 issued under section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (“LA Act’ for short). The extent of lands acquired and compensation awarded are as under:

Rate awarded per Bigha (Unit of 1008 sq. yds.)

13.2.1981 829 - 00 2600 (Block B) 20,000 25,000 3800 (Block A)

20.2.1981 883 - 08 2600 (Block B) 20,000 25,000 3800 (Block A)

13.3.1981 78 - 16 6500 10,800 25000

31.12.1981 5947 - 00 7000 (Block C) 21,000 27,000 9000 (Block B) 10840 (Block A)

2. The awards of the reference court were challenged by the landowners. The appeals were