( 1 ) THESE four appeals have been preferred TO under Section 54 of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter REFERRED TO to as "the Act") seeking further enhancement in the mount of compensation payable to the appellants for acquisition of their property.

( 2 ) THE property of the appellants situate in Village Khizarabad was notified under Section 4 of the Act on 10. 5. 1976 for being acquired for public purpose, namely construction of pitot-cut in the Reach from Nizamuddin Road Bridge to Okhla Weir. In all 36 bighas 7 biswas of land was notified for the said parpose. It was an acquisition, which was made by invoking Section 17 (4) of the Act and all notifications under Sections 4, 6 and 17 (4) of the Act were issued simultaneously on 10. 5. 1976. Proceedings for determination of the amount of compensation were held separately and the Collector Land Acquisition 00:30. 11. 3976 made his award No-18/76-77 holding the appellants to be entitled to compensation @ Rs. 700. 00 per bigha. Feeling dissatisfied with the amount of compensation offered to them, the appellants sought reference. The Reference Court through the impugned awards enhanced the amount of compensation hold