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PETITIONER: YELAMANCHI RANGA RAO & ORS. ETC.

       Vs.

RESPONDENT: STATE OF ORISSA & ORS.

DATE OF JUDGMENT:       05/05/1997

BENCH: K. RAMASWAMY, D.P. WADHWA

ACT:

HEADNOTE:

JUDGMENT:                             WITH                CIVIL APPEAL NO. 3615 OF 1997          (Arising out of SLP (C) No. 1670 of 1994)                          O R D E R      Leave granted.  We have  heard learned  counsel on both sides.      The facts  the in  appeal arising  out of  SLP (C)  No. 1670/94 are that notification under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act,  1894 was  published  on  August  11,  1971 acquiring 700  acres of  land. The  reference Court,  by its award and  decree dated  31, 1985, enhanced the compensation to Rs.450/-  in MJC  No.32/79  and  29/79,  for  each  fruit (coconut)  bearing   tree.  The   appellants   filed   their application under  Section 28-A  on April  30,  1985  within three months  from   the date  of the award of the reference Court. It  was not  decided. Again,  enhancement was made by the High  Court by  judgment dated January 5, 1995 enhancing the compensation to Rs. 650/- per fruit bearing tree in F.A. No. 166/84.  The appellants again made an application on May 23,  1990  before  the  Land  Acquisition  Officer  for  re- determination,  which  was  rejected.  The  High  Court  has dismissed the  writ petitions on April 30, 1993. Thus, these appeals by special leave.      In   view of the fact that the appellants had filed the written reference  applications within three months from the date of  the award  enhanced compensation  by the  reference Court in the connected matters, which are admittedly covered under the  same notification  issued under Section 4(1), the appellants are  entitled to  seek a  reference under Section 28-A but  was not  done. The application for reference under Section 28-After  the judgment  of the  High  Court  is  not maintainable.      The  appeals   ar   accordingly   allowed.   The   Land Acquisition  Officer   is  directed   to   redetermine   the compensation for  the properties  of the appellants acquired under the  said notification  in accordance  with the  award passed by  the High  Court as  per the reference application dated April  30, 1985  and pass appropriate awaard as per la which would  be subject  to result  of the  appeal, if  any, filed by the State in these connected appeals. No costs.

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