- (1.) Challenge by the appellants in the present appeal is to the award dated 30.11.2002, passed by learned Additional District Judge, Gurgaon.
(2.) Briefly, the facts are that land situated within the revenue estate of Villages Manesar, Naharpur Kasan, Khoh and Kasan was acquired by the State of Haryana vide notification dated 15.11.1994 issued under Section 4 of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (for short, 'the Act') for setting up of Industrial Model Township, Manesar, Tehsil and District Gurgaon. The same was followed by notification under Section 6 of the Act dated 10.11.1995. The Land Acquisition Collector (for short, 'the Collector') vide his award dated 3.4.1997 assessed compensation @Rs. 4,13,600/- per acre for the acquired land. Aggrieved against the award of the Collector, the land owners filed objections which were referred to the learned Additional District Judge, Gurgaon who vide award dated 30.11.2002, keeping in view the material placed on record by the parties, determined the fair value of the land @ Rs. 6,89,333/- per acre for 'A' class land and upheld the award of the Collector in respect of other land. It is this award which is impugned in the present appeal. Along with the appeal, an application seeking condonation of delay of 2,637 days has also been filed.
(3.) Learned counsel for the applicants-appellants submitted that delay in filing the appeals before this Court be condoned. The contention is that delay should not come in the way for granting substantial justice and the technicality should give way to justice. The Court should be liberal in condoning the delay.;