ARUN MISHRA,J. - (1.) These appeals have been preferred by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust as well as the land owners against the determination of compensation made by the High Court. The land owners have preferred appeals for higher compensation; whereas, the stand of Jalandhar Improvement Trust is vice-versa.
(2.) The Schemes prepared by the Jalandhar Improvement Trust had been approved by the State Government in exercise of power conferred under Section 42 of the Punjab Town Improvement Trust Act, 1922 (hereinafter referred to as the "Trust Act 1922). NOCs were issued by the State Government for the purpose of the schemes prepared by the Trust for acquisition of land.
(3.) In the case relating to the acquisition of an area measuring 74.9 acres, the order was passed by Land Acquisition Collector awarding compensation at the rate of Rs. 2,000/- per marla along with statutory benefits. On reference being made under the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, the Tribunal did not enhance the compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Collector. Aggrieved thereby, appeals were preferred before the High Court; the cases were remanded to the Tribunal. The Tribunal, vide order dated 21.02.2013, awarded compensation at the rate of Rs. 4500/- per marla. Dissatisfied, appeals were again preferred before the High Court. The High Court has enhanced the compensation, vide the impugned judgment and order, at the rate of Rs. 8727/- per marla, i.e. Rs. 13,96,320/- per acre, and furthr 20% enhancement was awarded upto the depth of 240 feet abutting the National Highway No.1. Aggrieved thereby, the appeals have been preferred by the Trust.;