- (1.) Heard Shri V.K. Singh, learned Senior Advocate assisted by Shri Madhur Prakash, learned counsel for appellant and Shri Dinesh Pathak for respondents.
(2.) This appeal, at the instance of defendant-appellant i.e. Gas Authority Of India Limited (hereinafter referred to as GAIL), has been preferred under Section 54 of Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (hereinafter referred to as "Act, 1894") being aggrieved by award/judgment dated 31.5.2003 in Land Acquisition Reference (hereinafter referred to as LAR) No.56 of 1995 passed by Shri D.L. Srivatava, Additional District Judge, Court No.4, Etawah (hereinafter referred to as Reference Court) determining market value of acquired land considering the factors under Section 23 of Act, 1894, at the rate of Rs.35,000/- per 1800 square feet. Reference Court has further awarded 30% solatium on the amount of compensation, 12% additional compensation and interest for various periods, as per provisions of Act, 1894.
(3.) Shri V.K. Singh, learned Senior Counsel appearing for appellant stated that challenge in this appeal is confined to the rate of compensation determined by Reference Court i.e. Rs.35,000/- per 1800 square feet. According to him, Reference Court has determined market value at much excessive and inflated rate, which does not represent true market value at the time of acquisition.;