This appeal raised a question of compensation under the Land Acquisition Act. At the instance of the Collector, Central Excise, Madras, parts of S. Nos. 15 and 17 of Nellimukku, a proprietary village in the Vizianagaram Estate have been acquired by Government for the extension of the Salt Factory, Balacheruvu. The total extent acquired was 229 acres, 59 cents. The notification under section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act was published on 29th August,, 1944 and that under section 6 was issued on 6th March, 1945. The Land Acquisition Officer awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 12-8-0 per acre totalling an amount of Rs. 2,869-14-0. Adding a sum of Rs. 430-7-8 towards 15 percent. solatium for compulsory acquisition, he awarded a sum of Rs. 3,300-5-8. On a reference made to the Subordinate Judge, he increased the rate of compensation to Rs.25 an acre. On that basis, he has given additional compensation of Rs. 2,869-14-0 and also 15 per cent, solatium on the said amount. The claimant preferred the above appeal claiming Rs. 65,000 including the statutory solatium of 15 per cent.

The simple question in this appeal is whether the compensation awarded by the Subordinate Judge