1. This is an appeal by the claimants in a land acquisition reference under S.20 of the Kerala Land Acquisition Act for enhancement of compensation for their land acquired by the Government. Pending appeal the Land Acquisition Amendment Act, 1984 (Act 68 of 1984) amending the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 came into force on 24th September, 1984. The appellants therefore claim also the benefits of the amendments relating to the enhancement of solatium and interest payable on the compensation to be awarded to them.

2. An extent of 1.43 acres of land in Sy. Nos. 43/31A, 43/33A and 44/5A of Changanacherry village was acquired by the Government for the establishment of a Fire Station and residential quarters for the staff attached to the Fire Station. The preliminary notification under S.3(1) of the Kerala Land Acquisition Act was published in the Gazette dated 25-12-1973, the declaration under S.6 of the Act was published in the Gazette dated 1-10-1974 and an award was passed by the Land Acquisition Officer on 24-1-1976. The land acquired was taken possession from the claimants on 10-2-1976. The land acquisition officer awarded land value at the rate of Rs. 805/- per cent for