http://JUDIS.NIC.IN SUPREME COURT OF INDIA Page 1 of 1  

PETITIONER: UNION OF INDIA

       Vs.

RESPONDENT: KISHAN CHAND & ORS.

DATE OF JUDGMENT:       11/10/1996

BENCH: K. RAMASWAMY, G.B. PATTANAIK

ACT:

HEADNOTE:

JUDGMENT:                          O R D E R      Delay condoned.      Leave granted.      Notice on  respondents 2,  3  and  4  to  20  has  been returned with postal remarks "Address Incomplete". Notice on respondent No.22 has been served. Under these circumstances, notice must  be deemed to have been served on them. They are not appearing  either in  person or through counsel . Notice was limited  only to   the  issue of  applicability  of  the provisions of Amendment Act 68 of 1984.      Notification  under   Section  4   [1]  of   the   Land Acquisition Act,  1894 was published on October 24,1961. The Land  Acquisition   Officer  by   his  award   had   granted compensation @  Rs.2,500/-  per  bigha.  On  reference,  the Additional District  Judge by  his award  and  decree  dated December 19,1973  enhanced the  compensation @ Rs.5,000/-per bigha.  The   High  Court  on  appeal  while  enhancing  the compensation  to  Rs.  12,000/-  per  bigha  has  given  the benefits of  the Amendment  Act 68  of 1984 by enhancing the solatium and  interest and additional amount. In view of the fact that  the reference  Court had  decided the  matter  in December 1973  the  respondents  are  not  entitled  to  the benefits of the enhanced solatium and inteest and additional benefit under Sections 23 [2],28 and[1-A].      The appeal  is accordingly allowed to the above extent. Instead, the  claimants are entitled to interest @ 6% on the enhanced compensation  and solatium at 15%. The judgement of the High Court is accordingly modified. No costs.