Sudhir Agarwal and Rakesh Srivastava, JJ. –

Heard Shri P.C. Jain, learned counsel for appellant. None appeared on behalf of respondent although this appeal has been called in revised. Hence, we proceed to decide appeal ex parte.

2. This appeal under Section 54 of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as "Act 1894") has arisen from award/judgment dated 30.07.2002 passed by Sri Musharraf Husain, 13th Additional District Judge, Agra, adjudicating Land Acquisition Reference (hereinafter referred to as "LAR") No.203 of 1993, determining market value of acquired land at the rate of Rs. 1,56,000/- per bigha (Rs.51.57 per square yard). Court below has also directed that claimant-respondents shall be entitled for payment of solatium at the rate of 30% of market value, 12% additional compensation and interest for various periods, as per provisions of Act, 1894.

3. At the instance of Jal Sansthan, Agra (hereinafter referred to as "appellant"), proceedings for acquisition of 80 bighas, 4 biswa and 15 biswansi land in Village Baipur Muslim, Tehsil and District-Agra for construction of a new Water Works were initiated by State Government by publishing a notification under Sect