JUDGMENT

Dr. Mukundakam Sharma, J.

1. The present appeals are filed by the appellants-claimants praying for higher compensation for their lands as also for the structures standing thereon which were acquired by the State of Maharashtra by issuing a notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as “the Act”).

2. The aforesaid properties were proposed to be acquired by issuing a notification under Section 4 of the Act for the purpose of Hatnoor Project which was published on 15.09.1983. Subsequently, a declaration was issued under Section 6 of the Act which was published on 24.05.1984. The Land Acquisition Officer passed an award on 22.09.1986 and possession of the properties was also taken on 18.10.1986. By the aforesaid award, passed by the Land Acquisition Officer, compensation for the properties was valued at ‘ 1, 10,547.50 which was directed to be paid to the claimants in the Land Acquisition Reference No. 2 of 1991. In so far as the Land Acquisition Reference No. 3 of 1991 was concerned, the Land Acquisition Officer determined the compensation at ‘ 4,67,500.53 and for the case in Land Acquisition Reference No. 4 of 1991, the Land Acquis