S.N.P.SINGH, J.

1. These two appeals under Sec.20 of the Coal Bearing Areas (Acquisition and Development) Act, 1957 (hereinafter to be referred to as "the Act") are directed against the award dated the 20th of December, 1969, given by the Tribunal under Sec.14 (2) of the Act in Reference Case No. 24 of 1964. Miscellaneous Appeal No. 26 of 1970 is by the Union of India through the Managing Director, National Coal Development Corporation Ltd., Ranchi, Miscellaneous Appeal No. 32 of 1970 is by M/s. Karanpura Development Co. Ltd. (hereinafter to be referred to as "Karanpura Company"). Both the appeals have been heard together and they are being disposed of by this common judgment.

2. The relevant facts for the disposal of these two appeals are not in dispute and they may briefly be stated as follows. On the 26th of March, 1915, the Proprietor of Ramgarh Estate acting through the Court of Wards granted a prospecting licence of coal rights in respect of 49072 bighas of land known as Karanpura Fields including the land in dispute in favour of M/s. Bird and Company. Under the terms of the licence the Company was entitled to take lease in respect of different areas covered by the li