JUDGMENT :

Rajiv Sharma, J.

Since common questions of law and facts are involved in all these appeals, the same were taken up together for hearing and are being disposed of by a common judgment.

2. “Key facts” necessary for the adjudication of these appeals and cross-objections are that the land of the respondents-claimants situated in Mohal Bhotan, Pargana Chuhan, Tehsil Dalhousie, District Chamba was acquired for public purpose, namely, for construction of reservoir of Ranjit Sagar (Thein Dam) Project. Notification under section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as the “Act”) was published on 7.4.1997. It was published in the Rajpatra on 10.5.1997. It was also published in two daily newspapers Jansatta and Indian Express on 29.4.1997. The Notification was also displayed at the conspicuous place of the locality. Thereafter, notification under Sections 6 and 7 of the Act was issued on 3.9.1997. It was also got published in State Rajpatra on 20.9.1997. The notification was also published in two daily newspapers i.e. Jansatta and Indian Express on 4.10.1997 and 5.10.1997. Wide publicity was also given by displaying the notification at the conspicuous place in