JUDGMENT

Ganguly, J. —

1. In these civil appeals, the dispute is primarily over the quantum of the market value of the land acquired by the Government of Karnataka (hereinafter ‘the said Government’).

2. Pursuant to a notification issued under Section 4 (1) of the Land Acquisition Act, published in the Karnataka Gazette on 16.05.1991 an extent of 76 acres and 10 guntas of land situated in Gadag were acquired for Karnataka Housing Board (hereinafter ‘the Board’). The Land Acquisition Officer determined the market value at Rs.35,000/- per acre and passed an award to that effect on 5th March, 1994. Assailing the said quantum, the landowners filed a reference. The Reference Court on a detailed consideration of the matter and after examining 22 witnesses and scrutinizing about 35 documents, which were made exhibits, fixed the market value of the acquired land at Rs.14,500/- per gunta, apart from granting other statutory benefits.

3. he operative portion of the order of the Reference Court is set out below:

“1. Reference in L.A.C. No. 12/95 to 20/95 are accepted in part.

2. Market value in respect of the acquired lands is determined at Rs.14,500/- per gunta.

3. The claimants are entitled to