This is an appeal under Sec.54 of the Land Acquisition Act (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Act’), preferred by the Special Tahsildar (Land Acquisition) Sipcot, Pudukkottai against the order passed in L.A.O.P.No.46 of 1983 dated 3rd May, 1984 on a reference made under Sec.18 of the Act.

2. An extent of 0-35-5 hectares i.e. 0.80 acres in S.F.No.55/2 in Thiruvengaivasal Village, Pudukkottai Town was acquired for the purposes of setting up of Sipcot Industrial Complex at Thiruvengaivasal Village.

3. There is no doubt that the Government had acquired the lands after observing the formalities by issuing a Notification under Sec.4(1) of the Act and subsequent notices as contemplated under the Act. It is also relevant to note that the Notification under Sec.4(1) of the Act was published on 17.10.1981. The Government has also acquired possession from the claimant on 4.12.1981. The Land Acquisition Officer passed an Award on 31.7.1982 determining the compensation payable for the acquired land at Rs.2,000/- per acre. Not satisfied with the award, the five claimants have sought a reference under Sec.18 of the Act claiming compensation at the rate of Rs.30,000/- per acre. The referen