The above Appeal challenges the Judgment and Award dated 27th October, 2003, passed by the learned Addl. District Judge, South Goa, Margao, in Land Acquisition Case no. 498/1995, whereby a reference filed by the Appellants under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, was answered in the negative.

2. By a Notification under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894, (hereinafter referred to as the 'said Act'), bearing no.22/176/91-RD dated 30.09.1991, published in the Official Gazette dated 27.02.1992, the land of the Appellants admeasuring an area of 140 square metres from the property surveyed under no. 7/1, was acquired for the construction and black topping of main Betalbatim road via Bagdem, Padriguelem, Village Panchayat of Colva. By an Award dated 27.01.1995, passed under Section 11 of the said Act, the Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation for the land acquired at the rate of Rs.7/- per square metre. Being dissatisfied with the said Award, the Appellants sought a reference under Section 18 of the said Act for enhancement of compensation and claimed a compensation at the rate of Rs.600/- per square metre besides compensation for the coconut trees of Rs.3