These appeals have been preferred by the claimants in L.A.O.P.Nos.4 and 7 of 2001 on the file of the Principal Sub Court (Land Acquisition Tribunal), Dindigul, seeking enhancement of the market value adopted by the Land Acquisition Tribunal, while fixing the compensation for the lands acquired from the claimants.

2. An extent of 19.96.0 hectares of lands in Kodalvavi Village, Dindigul Taluk, were acquired for the formation of tank across Chinnakombaiyar and Uppodai. The draft notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act was issued on 09.03.1993. The notification was published in the gazette on 07.04.1993 and the same was published in two local dailies on 03.04.1993 and 04.04.1993. The substance of the notification was published in the locality on 25.05.1993. The award was passed on 24.05.1996 by the Land Acquisition Officer fixing the market value for the lands at Rs.200/- per cent relying upon the sale deed dated 27.08.1992 wherein the land value was shown as Rs.20,000/- per acre.

3. Aggrieved by the determination of compensation by the Land Acquisition Officer, the owners of the land filed petitions under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act seeking refer