V. RAMASWAMI, J. :- This is an appeal against, the judgment and decree of the learned Subordinate Judge, Karur, on a reference under Section 31, Land Acquisition Act, in L. A. O. P. No. 16 of 1978. Claimants 1 to 6 are the appellants.

2. An extent of 1.78 acres comprised in S. F. No. 88 was acquired under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act for the construction of a Depot for Cholan Roadways Corporation, Kumbakonam. The Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 9,000/- per acre. There was a reference under Section 18 which was also disposed of by the learned Subordinate Judge in L. A. O. P. No. 15 of 1978, fixing the compensation at the rate of Rs. 15,000/- per acre. Since there was a dispute relating to the title, the matter was also referred to the learned Subordinate Judge under S.31, Land Acquisition Act.

3. The said S. F. No. 88 measuring 1.78 acres and another extent of 1.96 acres comprised in S. F. No. 735 were the subject-matter of an inam grant. The case of claimants 1 to 6 was that the grant was a personal grant to the Gurukkal of Thiru maleeswarswami Temple at Thirumamilayur, bounded with the condition of services to the temple. They