Mohan M. Shantanagoudar, J. - (1.) The appellants are owners of the land to an extent of 1/2 share in Khasra No. 46 (4-08), 462 (4-16), 463 (4-14), totally measuring 13 bighas 18 biswas situated in revenue estate of Village Roshan Pura, New Delhi. The land was acquired for the public purpose of construction of Sub-Divisional Office. The Land Acquisition Collector passed the Award bearing no. 45/78-79, awarding compensation at the rate of Rs. 2,200/- per bigha along with statutory benefits such as solatium, interest etc. as provided under the Land Acquisition Act, 1894. The appellants, being dissatisfied with the quantum of compensation awarded by the Land Acquisition Collector, filed petition under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act. The said petition came to be dismissed by the Reference Court/Additional District Judge, Delhi on 04.10.2005 in LA Case No. 896 of 1993. The appellants further approached the High Court of Delhi by filing LA.A.No.34/2006 and L.A.A.No.35-54/2006 which also came to be dismissed. The appellants are aggrieved by the award of the Land Acquisition Collector, Award passed by the Reference Court as well as by the judgment of the High Court.
(2.) Mr. Arvind K. Sharma, the learned counsel for the claimants/appellants submitted that the Reference Court as well as the High Court were not justified in ignoring the Sale Deed dated 24.01.1974 produced by the claimants in respect of the land measuring 4 bighas and 16 biswas situated adjoining Chhawla Gurgaon Road in village Roshan Pura, Delhi which depicts that the price per bigha was about Rs. 7,000/-. According to him, though no relevant evidence is adduced by the parties including the claimants, the aforementioned certified copy of the sale deed could be sufficient evidence in support of the case of the claimants for getting higher compensation.
(3.) Per contra, Ms. Garima Prashad, learned counsel for the respondents argued that the Land Acquisition Collector has sufficiently compensated the claimants in respect of the acquired land therefore, the Reference Court as well as the High Court were justified in dismissing the contention of the claimants for enhanced compensation.;