JUDGMENT

1. Notification under Section 3(1) of the Kerala Land Acquisition Act, 1950 which is equivalent to Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894(1 of 1894) was published on July 8, 1980 acquiring an extent of3.37 hectares of land for public purpose, namely, Greater Cochin Development Authority, for the purpose of the Site and Service Scheme at Alwaye. The Land Acquisition Officer in his award dated March 19, 1982 determined compensation at Rs. 280 per cent as against Rs.2000/- per cent claimed by the appellants. On reference, the Civil Court enhanced the compensation to Rs. 1800/- per cent by its award and decree dated August 7,1984. On further appeal by the State, the High Court reduced the compensation to Rs. 1000/-kper cent. Thus, these appeals by special leave.

2. Shri T. L. V. Iyer, learned senior counsel for the appellants, has contended that the lands under Exs. A-6 to A-8, of an extent ranging between 60 cents and 40 cents had been sold on March 31, 1976, April 13, 1976 and April 21, 1976 respectively at the rate of Rs. 800/- percent. Exs. A-3 to A-5 would indicate steep rise in the value till the date of the notification. That was spoken of even by RW-2, the Exe