Judgment :-

Leave granted.

2. These appeals relate to acquisition of lands in six villages namely, Dakachya, Peerkaradia, Raukhedi, Budhi Barlai, Arjun Badoda and Alipur, for the purpose of the Indore Dewas Four Lane Road. Acquisition proceedings were initiated under preliminary notification dated 16.6.1989 followed by other notifications dated 25.6.1989, 2.12.1989 and 22.12.1989 in respect of an area of 47.647 hectares.

3. It is stated that the Land Acquisition Officer, by several awards, offered compensation of Rs.79,500/- per hectare for irrigated lands, Rs.53,000/- per hectare for non-irrigated lands and Rs.40,000/- per hectare for padat (barren) land. On reference, compensation was determined at the following rates by the Reference Court under several judgments:

Name of village Rate per hectare

Peerkaradia Rs.3,45,800/- (Category I)

Rs.1,50,000/- (Category II)

Budhi Barlai Rs.1,14,000/-

Dakachaya Rs.1,50,000/-

Raukhedi Rs.1,60,550/-

Arjun Badoda Rs.1,23,500/-

Alipur Rs.75,000/-

4. Feeling aggrieved, the land owners filed appeals before the High Court. It is stated that the landowners in their appeals, filed applications for amendment of their claims and the High Court all