All these Appeals arise out of a common acquisition award and raise similar questions, they are being disposed of by way of this Common Judgment.

2. An extent of Ac.43.89 cents of land, situated in various survey numbers of Badmpudi Village, Unguturu Mandal, was acquired for the purpose of formation of a four-lane road from Km 80 to 152 of National Highway No.5. This acquisition was conducted as per the requisition given by the Project Director, National Highway Authority of India, Rajamundry.

3. The acquisition was done under the provisions of the National Highway Authority of India Act, 1956 [for short “the Act, 1956”]. After following the necessary procedure, the land was acquired and an award, dated 19.03.2003 was issued by the Revenue Divisional Officer and Competent Authority for Land Acquisition, Eluru, in award No.20/2003. Aggrieved by the compensation awarded by the Revenue Divisional Officer, reference to the Arbitrator was s