JUDGMENT

Asok Kumar Ganguly, J.

1. Heard counsel for the parties.

2. A notification dated 6.09.1984 under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter, 'the Act'), was issued for acquisition of land at Sanguem, Goa, for the construction of a sports complex. The concerned dispute relates to land in Survey Nos. 111/1 and 111/2. The Land Acquisition Collector (hereinafter, 'LAC') awarded compensation at Rs. 45/- per sq. meter.

3. Aggrieved, landowners-Appellants 1 to 3 and one Ana Conceicao Antonieta Santimano filed reference petitions against the order of the LAC under Section 18 of the Act. The District Judge, South Goa, passed an award dated 19.08.1992, wherein the rate of Rs. 45/- per sq. meter given by the LAC was upheld. Additionally, they were held entitled to severance charges @ 20% p.a. of Rs. 45/- per sq. meter in respect of the non- acquired portion of 37,731 sq. meters. They were also granted compensation in respect of a boundary wall amounting to Rs. 31,720/-, and other statutory benefits. The total sum thus awarded to them was Rs. 8,80,372/-.

4. On 7.3.1996, an order was issued by the Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, releasing funds to the extent of Rs. 8,80,