JUDGMENT

Abhay Manohar Sapre, J. - Leave granted.

2. These appeals arise out of judgment dated 23.03.2007 passed by the High Court of Karnataka at Bangalore in MFA Nos. 5723/2005, 5722/2005, 6332/2005 and 6868/2005 which arise out of award dated 31.03.2005 passed by the III Addl. Civil Judge (Sr. Dn.), Belgaum in L.A.C. Nos. 11/1999, 12/1999, 13/1999 and 14/1999.

3. By the impugned judgment/decree, the Division Bench of the High Court partly allowed the first appeals filed by the respondents herein (land owners) and while modifying the award of the Addl. Civil Judge, Belgaum in respondents' favour enhanced the quantum of compensation payable to the respondents for their lands which were acquired by the State under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"). Feeling aggrieved by the judgment passed by the High Court, the appellant (Central Government Organization) for whose benefit the lands in question are acquired has filed these appeals by way of special leave.

4. The question that arises for consideration in these appeals is whether the High Court was justified in partly allowing the respondents' appeals by enhancing the rate/quantum of compensation payabl