- (1.) Aforesaid first appeals have been filed by the claimants challenging the judgment and award dated 29.11.2003 passed by District Judge, Gautam Budh Nagar in various Land Acquisition References filed under Section 18 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short the 'Act'). All the appeals are based on same set of facts raising common question of law and, hence, have been clubbed together and are being decided by this common judgment.
(2.) We have heard Shri Madan Mohan, learned counsel for the appellants and Shri Amit Manohar for the NOIDA and learned Standing Counsel for the State respondents.
(3.) Land in dispute belonging to the claimant-appellants, situate in village Illabas, Pargana, Tehsil & District Gautam Budh Nagar was subject matter of acquisition under the provisions of the Act for the benefit of New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (hereinafter referred to as 'NOIDA') for planned development. Notification under Section 4 of the Act was published on 06.01.1992. Declaration under Section 6 of the Act was issued on 18.04.1992. Total area of 126-17-00 bighas of land, which includes the land of the claimant-appellants, was acquired. Possession of the land was taken on 09.07.1994 and award was declared by the Special Land Acquisition Officer on 06.01.1997 determining the market value of the land at the rate of Rs.50/- per square yard.;