JUDGMENT

Dr. Mukundakam Sharma, J. —

1. By this common judgment and order we propose to dispose of all the aforesaid appeals which are connected and interrelated, as would be indicated from the facts delineated hereinafter.

2. By issuing a notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 [hereinafter referred to as “the Act”] on 21.02.1986, land connected with the present appeals, situated at Village Mora, Taluka Choriyasi, District Surat in the State of Gujarat, was proposed to be acquired for a public purpose, viz., setting up a Gas Based Thermal Power Project belonging to National Thermal Power Corporation [for short `NTPC’]. Subsequent to the aforesaid notification, a declaration under Section 6 of the Act was also issued by the State Government, by issuing a notification dated 29.04.1986 in respect of the said land. Possession of the said land was also taken over on 18.06.1986 and an award was passed by the Land Acquisition Officer, determining market value of the land and awarding compensation at ` 3.50 per square meter for the acquired land.

3. Aggrieved by the compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Officer, the appellants-claimants filed applications und