1. The Land Acquisition Officer, who is the respondent in L.A.O.P.No.1 of 1997 on the file of the Principal Sub Court, Gobichettipalayam is the appellant.

2. The respondents, aggrieved by the award of lesser compensation made by the appellant in award proceedings in Ref.No.3693/92 A5 dated 2.9.1996 fixing the compensation at Rs.7.82 per sqft, sought for reference and at their instance, reference was made in L.A.O.P.No.1 of 1997. The Reference Court enhanced the compensation to Rs.30/= per sqft and aggrieved by the same, this appeal is filed.

3. The case of the appellant is as follows:-

The property in S.No.27/1A1A1A having an extent of 1.82.5 hectare and S.No.27/3 having an extent of 0.60 hectares and S.No.27/1A1B having an extent of 0.20 hectares which belonged to the respondents were acquired for the purpose of construction of workshop for Jeeva Transport Corporation. Section 4(1) notification was issued on 6.10.1993 and paper publication was effected on 7.10.1993. Section 5(A) enquiry was conducted on 15.12.1993 and 21.12.1993 and section 6 declaration was made on 24.8.1994 and award was passed on 2.9.1996 and the compensation for the land acquired was fixed at Rs.7.8